Improving wireless connectivity

through small cell deployment

 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

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Cover image: JCDecaux

 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

Contents
1 INTRODUCTION 2

2 WHAT IS A SMALL CELL? 7

2.1 Small cell deployment scenarios 13
2.2 Small cell power classes 14

3 SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT PERMITS 35

3.1 Building permits 35
3.2 Permitting costs 36
3.3 Electrical Power 38
3.4 Data back haul 42

4 COMPLIANCE WITH RADIOFREQUENCY LIMITS 51

4.1 Simplified installation requirements 45
4.2 Signage 49
4.3 Typical signal levels 49

5 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 49

6 FURTHER RESOURCES 49
 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

1 Introduction
Growing demand for mobile network connectivity associated with
increased smartphone ownership, greater mobile usage indoors and higher
data rates is driving the evolution of mobile networks. One approach
to facilitating connectivity is the use of small cells. Small cells are low-
powered radio access nodes or base stations (BS) operating in licensed
or unlicensed spectrum that have a coverage range from a few meters up
to a few hundred meters. Small cells are deployed to increase the mobile
network capacity and coverage in localized areas. They can be used to
provide in-building or outdoor wireless service.

5 % of global connections are via

smartphones.1

As shown in Figure 1, higher data rates are typically available closer to the base station antenna due to the
higher quality connection.

1. GSMA Intelligence, Global cellular market trends and insight — Q2 2016

2. Cisco, Visual Networking Index (VNI) Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update, 2016.

2 | Introduction
 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

Figura 1

Higher data rates are generally possible closer to the network

antenna

Today over 80% of mobile usage occurs

inside buildings in developed markets and
this is predicted to increase to greater than
90% in the next few years.3

Modern buildings are increasingly designed to that radio signal penetration inside new buildings
meet stronger energy efficiency targets. However, is on average twenty times weaker, and can be up
some building materials used for energy efficiency to 100 times weaker, compared to buildings that
purposes (for example, energy-efficient windows are 10 years older. Potential solutions include using
and aluminium-based polyurethane sheets) cause lower frequencies for mobile services, changes to
significant attenuation to radio signals, especially at building design and facilitating in-building small cell
higher frequencies. Measurements by the Tampere deployments4.
University of Technology, a Finnish university, found

In-building environments such as tall buildings and underground public transport infrastructure can only be
effectively provided with coverage by small cell installations.

14 million small cells have been shipped

to May 2016. There was a 78% growth in
non-residential shipments from Q1/2015
to Q1/2016.5

3. Real Wireless Ltd, Options for Improving In-Building Mobile Coverage. Report for Ofcom, 18 April 2013.
4. Ministry of Transport and Communications, Mobile network reception problems in low energy buildings: working group report, publication 31/2013.
5. Small Cell Forum, Small cell deployments: Market status report, May 2016.

Introduction | 3
 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

Their low visual impact also means that small cells of deployment may be significantly higher due to
can be an effective solution in outdoor areas near the civil works needed to provide power and data
monuments and iconic buildings. However, the costs back-haul connections to the small cell installation.

Example:
Indoor small cells have been installed in and around the
Giza pyramids, Abu Simbel and other temples of Egypt to
provide high quality cellular coverage and greater security.

Low power radio frequency (RF) transmitting Future mobile networks are expected to consist of a
equipment are addressed in different ways through mix of macrocell sites to provide wide area coverage
existing national regulations and international and small cells to improve localised coverage and
standards. This paper proposes a harmonized increase capacity. These are termed heterogeneous
approach in order to simplify the authorization networks or ‘hetnets’. Figure 2 illustrates the
regimes for equipment with low transmitted RF concept of a hetnet.
power, such as small cells.

Figura 2

Image: Real Wireless

The regulatory framework for mobile network The fact that small cells have a relatively small
antenna deployments needs to evolve to support volume and are visually unobtrusive means that
the growth in small cells so that industry and it is important that local planning laws allow for
governments can deliver on the digital connectivity small cell deployments with minimal administrative
expectations of citizens and paves the way to 5G. hurdles or delays.

4 | Introduction
 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

2 What is a
small cell?
‘Small cells’ is an umbrella term for operator-controlled, low-powered
radio communications equipment (base stations) that provide mobile and
internet services within localised areas. Small cells typically have a range
from ten metres to several hundred metres. Mobile network macrocells
typically serve larger areas.

2.1 Small cell deployment scenarios

The term ‘small cells’ covers femtocells, picocells, such as stations, airports, commercial centres.
microcells and metrocells that are used in residential Medium range BS are typically deployed in outdoor
(Home BS), enterprise (Local Area BS), urban and environments. They are often embedded in street
rural environments (Medium Range BS). Small furniture such as lighting fixtures, advertisement
cell deployments that are interconnected are also panels, bus shelters or street signs as shown in
termed distributed antenna systems (DAS) or in- Figure 3. They can also be deployed to extend
building systems (IBS) where they provide service the mobile network coverage and capacity on a
within an existing structure. localized area, such as isolated villages, industrial
sites or emergency situations.
Local Areas BS are typically deployed in indoor
environments accessible to the general public

What is a small cell? | 5

 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

Figura 3

Typical installation of small cells in urban furniture

Bus shelter Advertisement panel

Lamp post on highways Lamp post downtown et

Credits for pictures of Street Furniture with integrated Small Cells : ©JCDecaux

This paper focusses on stationary small cell simplification that would support small
installations, however, they have also been proposed cell deployments are identified. Practical
for deployment in modes of transport such as implementation of simplified administrative
aircraft, ships and trains. procedures should also extend to electronic filing
and shortened forms to be completed.
In the following sections topics for administrative

2.2 Small cell power classes

The technical forum for standardisation of mobile 0.25 and 6 watts per transmit connector (i.e. up to 12
technologies defines small cells in terms of their W per access point). The equipment size is typically
transmitted power. Medium Range small cells in the range of 5 to 15 litres. (see annex 1 for further
typically transmit at power levels between around technical details).

6 | What is a small cell?

 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

3 Small cell
deployment permits
The existing process for obtaining permits for mobile network antenna
sites is often based on the requirements of physically larger and higher
powered macrocell sites. These administrative processes generally cover
both the civil aspects of building permits and the compliance with
radiofrequency exposure limits.
In determining what constitutes a small cell for permit requirements the
US Federal Communications Commission (FCC)6 in 2015 clarified that
it includes the antenna, feeder, transmission equipment and associated
power equipment, including backup power.

In Brazil three fronts were developed in deploying small cells. The first was the
installation in indoor environments. The second was the integration of small cell
radio equipment in public phones, and these devices were energized by line
powering solutions. The third work front was hiring sharing companies with small
cell integration solutions to various urban furniture of the city. All responsibility for
this integration from the point of view of infrastructure is the responsibility of the
company that proposes the integration solution, including the equipment mounting
so that the installation will be as simple and agile as possible.

Small cell installations especially within buildings, sometimes exist for larger and higher powered radio
should be exempt from requirements for registration transmitters.
of transmitter positions. These requirements

6. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 47 CFR Parts 1 and 17, Acceleration of Broadband Deployment by Improving Wireless Facilities Siting Policies, Federal Register, Vol. 80, No. 5, 8 January 2015.

Small cell deployment permits | 7

 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

3.1 Building permits

Small cell antennas for outdoor applications are characteristics (radio parameters, size) will often be
hard to see by design or through visual integration deployed at the same time. So it is good practice
with the installation site (facade or urban furniture). to provide for simplified approval for small cells to
In order to cover an area many small cells of similar avoid administrative delays.

The FCC7 has adopted rules exempting small cells from environmental
assessments where they are mounted on existing telecommunications
towers, buildings and other structures as well as inside buildings and meet
certain limitations on size and visibility. The FCC also clarified that the
existing shot-clock reasonable time frames for decision making (90 days
for collocation and 150 days for new installation) also apply where small
cells require permit applications, for example, where light poles are to be
replaced to accommodate small cell installations.

Where it is determined that a building permit is small cell installations meeting these requirements
required, an effective approach to building permits would be exempt from further permit requirements.
is to provide umbrella approval for deployment of
As a general principle small cell infrastructure
small cell installation meeting certain specified area
installed within existing buildings should be exempt
or volume, as well as radio characteristics
from specific notification or other permitting
(e.g., equivalent isotropic radiated power – EIRP)
requirements. Any concerns about a specific
and installation requirements on nominated physical
installation are likely to be addressed by existing
infrastructure (e.g., minimum installation height). All
local building and safety regulations.

3.2 Permitting costs

In some countries there are permit fees or taxes governments should consider a fee structure
for antenna installation applications. In order that reflects the small size and low power of such
to encourage the deployment of small cells installations.

France: A 2015 report8 estimated that about 10 medium range small

cells would be deployed per macro base station site and, therefore,
recommended that in France the tax regime for small cells subject to
light notification administrative process be set at 10% of the tax for
macro sites subject to detailed approval administrative process. This
recommendation was then adopted in the French Law of Finance at the
end of 2015.

7. ibid
8. French Industry Strategic Plans – Small Cells White Paper (see Further Resources)

8 | Small cell deployment permits

 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

Brazil: In the lead-up to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the summer
Olympics in 2016, the authorities recognised a need to increase mobile
network capacity. Small cell installations were recognised as a key part
of the infrastructure needed within stadiums. In order to facilitate these
deployments the authorities in 2013 adopted regulations that exempted
certain classes of small cell equipment from telecommunications
monitoring fees that are charged by Anatel to the operators on a per base
station basis.

3.3 Electrical Power

Small cell antenna installations need access to renewable energy be tax exempt.
reliable electrical power to operate. In general this
Authorities should support small cell deployments
will involve grid connections though renewable
by facilitating siting on or near existing sources of
energy sources such as solar may be suitable for
electrical power, such as buildings, street and traffic
isolated installations operating in remote areas.
lights, advertisement panels or bus shelters.
Venezuela has proposed that small cells using

3.4 Data backhaul

Small cells need to be connected via data links back connectivity can be provided by point-to-point
to the core mobile network in order to connect voice microwave links where line of sight is available or
and data traffic. Due to the increased consumer Internet-grade broadband connections, in particular
demand for mobile data small cells require 100-200 optic fibre connections. Installing fibre links is
Mbps of capacity per cell. If the traffic is aggregated disruptive and expensive. This means that small cell
by macrocells, these will require backhaul capacity deployments can proceed efficiently in areas that
of hundreds of Mbps, even 1 Gbps per site9. Backhaul already have the data backhaul infrastructure.

Globally base station backhaul is about 40% wireless and 60% fibre.10

Authorities should support small cell deployments by facilitating access to existing data backhaul
connections and should consider preferential access for small cell infrastructure.

9. http://www.aglmediagroup.com/backhaul-for-mobile-networks-has-a-place-for-wireless-links-2/
10. ibid

Small cell deployment permits | 9

 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

4 Compliance with
radiofrequency limits
Many countries have followed the recommendation of the World Health
Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
and adopted the limits for radiofrequency exposures developed by the
International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
The main conclusion of the WHO and many independent expert reviews
is that there are no established health risks where antennas comply with
these limits. Further information is available in the GSMA brochure Small
Cells and Health listed in the resources section.

A Belgium study11 found that in a 3G network with average macrocell coverage

using a small cell resulted in total exposures that were 20-40 times lower, mostly
due to the significant reduction in the mobile phone output power.

Small cells typically allow mobile phones to work reducing interference as well as reducing exposure
at very low powers, increasing their battery life and of the phone user.

4.1 Simplified installation requirements

The proposed harmonized approach does not simplified criteria, as they have already been
preclude national authorities from adopting further implemented in some countries.

No building permits are required for small cell deployments in Egypt. The
only regulatory approval required after installation is measurement of RF
exposure. This occurs only once for the lifetime of the site whereas for a
macrocell inspections are conducted at least every two years.

11. Assessment and comparison of total RF-EMF exposure in femtocell and macrocell base station scenarios, Aerts et al., Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 162(3):236-243, December 2014.

10 | Compliance with radiofrequency limits

 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

In general, where small cell antennas are mounted recommendations. These can be found in Annex 2.
above human body height they will comply Where small cell installations comply with the power
with the recommended exposure limits. The and installation parameters shown in Annex 2 they
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has should be deemed to comply with the exposure
developed detailed classes of small cell products limits without further requirements.
and installations, which are also reflected in ITU

France: A 2015 report12 has proposed that existing regulations are

amended to provide an exemption from administrative processes for small
cells with an EIRP less than 2 W. In addition the report proposed that for
small cells with an EIRP between 2 W and 25 W only a light notification
process is required while detailed approval administrative process applies
above 25 W EIRP. This approach is consistent with the table in Annex 2 and
would allow up to four devices to be installed at an E100 class site.

Manufacturers of small cell equipment must ensure by the authority or third party. The declaration of
that they conform to relevant technical standards conformity approach is recommended.
and to any essential requirements in terms of health
Routine post installation measurements or
and safety. It is the responsibility of the organisation
site inspections are not required for small cell
deploying the small cells to ensure thvat once
installations. Of course permitting authorities
brought into operation, the small cell complies with
may consider inspections of a sample of sites or
any additional spectrum authorisation requirements
investigations on a case-by-case basis to confirm
or national exposure limits. Evidence of compliance
compliance. In order to build public confidence the
with the exposure limits may be provided either by
costs for such auditing procedures should be borne
declaration of conformity or by a certificate issued
by the authority and not the small cell operator.

4.2 Signage
If the small cell installation is in compliance when by authorised maintenance personnel who can
the radome is touched then there should be no be provided with awareness and safe working
requirement for signage. When determining procedures training. Where a sign is implemented
whether a warning sign is needed consideration the size, position and visibility of the sign should
should be given to the likely access to the area near be appropriate to the installation location and
the small cell. For example, small cells installed accessibility of the small cell.
on street lights are only likely to be accessed

12. French Industry Strategic Plans – Small Cells White Paper (see Further Resources)

Compliance with radiofrequency limits | 11

 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

4.3 Typical signal levels

Though small cells operate at lower power they are to that of macrocell installations. This is because
often mounted closer to areas accessible by people. even though the small cell operates at lower power,
As a result the range of radiofrequency exposures it is often mounted at lower heights so people can
measured from small cells are similar to those approach closer. For both macrocells and small cells
from other mobile network antenna installations. the typical levels are a very small fraction of the
As can be seen in Figure 4 the range of measured international recommendations designed to protect
levels from typical small cell installations is similar human health.

Figura 4

Comparison of typical measured radio signal levels for differing types

of 3G base station sites.

100.00000
Percentage of the international public limit value13

10.00000

1.00000

0.10000

0.01000

0.00100

0.00010

0.00001
Rural mast site Urban base station Small cell for Small cell for Small cell for
indoor coverage football stadium urban capacity

In some countries small cell deployments have been and small cells according to coverage and capacity
suggested as a way to reduce the overall exposure requirements. This illustrates the importance of
from mobile networks antennas. However, technical allowing network operators flexibility with network
studies demonstrate that the most efficient mobile design and not mandating technical solutions.
network antenna infrastructure is a mix of macro

13. Adapted from data reported in Determination of the general public exposure around GSM and UMTS base stations, Bornkessel et al., Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 124(1):40-47, March 1, 2007.

12 | Compliance with radiofrequency limits

 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

A 2015 French report14 has produced measurement results on operational small cell
sites performed according to IEC 62232 protocols. In-situ exposure levels are well
below ICNIRP exposure limits (0.1% or below relative to the power density limits).

Image: JCDecaux

It is important that authorities provide information Indeed measurements show that mobile devices
based on WHO15 recommendations to address will might operate at very low powers where there
stakeholder concerns. is an in-building system to improve coverage. It is
important that the in-building coverage system
Research indicates that small cell infrastructure
should avoid coverage gaps due to building
can be successfully deployed in medical facilities
construction materials.
without causing interference to sensitive equipment.

14. French Industry Strategic Plans – Small Cells White Paper (see Further Resources)
15. http://www.who.int/peh-emf/en/

Compliance with radiofrequency limits | 13

 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

5 Summary of
Recommendations
Small cell deployment is an important option for mobile networks as they
evolve to address the growing demand for mobile connectivity, improved
capacity and coverage. In order to support efficient small cell deployments
authorities should adopt the following policies:

1. Follow the internationally harmonised small cell power classes when

developing regulations related to compliance with radiofrequency
exposure limits.
2. Adopt simplified procedures for building permits for small cells (if
required) based on standardised size, installation requirements and
radio characteristics.
3. Accept declarations of compliance and do not require routine post-
installation measurement.
4. Exempt small cell installations from location registration requirements.
5. Reduce permit costs for small cells relative to those for macrocells.
6. In respect of RF compliance provide information for consumers and
local authorities based on WHO materials and recommendations.
7. Facilitate access to existing structures, electrical power and data
backhaul.

14 | Summary of Recommendations
 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

Annex 1

Range of transmit powers for small cells

(extract from 3GPP 36.104)

3GPP PRAT
3GPP BS class
(Transmit power per carrier per connector)

Wide Area BS (note*)

Medium Range BS < + 38 dBm (6.3 W)

Local Area BS < + 24 dBm (250 mW)

< + 20 dBm (100 mW, for one transmit antenna port)

< + 17 dBm (50 mW, for two transmit antenna ports)
Home BS
< + 14 dBm (25 mW for four transmit antenna ports)
< + 11 dBm (12.5 mW for eight transmit antenna ports)

Note*: There is no upper limit for the rated output power of the Wide Area BS.

Definition: Rated output power, PRAT, of the base station is the mean power level per carrier for BS
operating in single carrier, multi-carrier, or carrier aggregation configurations that the manufacturer has
declared to be available at the antenna connector during the transmitter ON period.

Annex 1 15
 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

Annex 2

Simplified installation requirements for base stations

(from IEC 62232)

EIRPa EIRP
Class Product installation criteria
(W) (dBm)

The product complies with IEC 62479 or the product compliance boundary
E0 n/a n/a
dimensions are zero. No specific requirement for product installation.

The product is installed according to instructions from the manufacturer and/

E2 ≤2 ≤33 or entity putting into service. Compliance with the exposure limits is generally
obtained at zero distance or within a few centimeters.
The product is installed according to instructions from the manufacturer and/or
E10 ≤10 ≤40 entity putting into service and the lowest radiating part of the antenna(s) is at a
minimum height of 2.2 meters above the general public walkway.
The product is installed according to instructions from the manufacturer and/or
entity putting into service and:
(a) the lowest radiating part of the antenna(s) is at a minimum height of 2.5
meters above the general public walkway, (b) the minimum distance to areas
E100 ≤ 100 ≤50 accessible to the general public in the main lobe direction is Dmb and (c) there
is no pre-existing RF sources with EIRP above 10 W installed within a distance
of 5Dm meters in the main lobe direction (as determined by considering the
half power beam width) and within Dm meters in other directions. If Dm is not
available, a value of 2 meters can be used or 1 meter if all product transmit
frequencies are equal to or above 1500 MHz.c
The product installed according to instructions from the manufacturer and/or
entity putting into service and:
(a) the lowest radiating part of the antenna(s) is at a minimum height of Hm
meters above the general public walkway, (b) the minimum distance to areas
E+ >100 >50 accessible to the general public in the main lobe direction is Dmb meters, (c) there
is no preexisting RF source with EIRP above 100 W installed within a distance of
5Dm meters in the main lobe direction and within Dm meters in other directions.
Dm is the compliance distance in the main lobe assessed according to Clause 6.1
and Hm is given by Equations (6.1), (6.2) or (6.3) of IEC 62232.d
a. EIRP (equivalent isotropic radiated power) transmitted by the installed antenna(s) including all its
active bands.
b. Dm is the compliance distance in the main lobe of the antenna (from Clause 6.2 of IEC 62232).
c. When such condition is not fulfilled the installation is still compliant if the sum of the EIRPs of the
product and nearby sources is less than 100 W. If the total EIRP is above 100 W then the product is
still compliant if it is installed at a minimum height of Hm meters above the general public walkway
and at a minimum distance from areas accessible to the general public in the main lobe direction
of Dm meters, where Hm and Dm are obtained using Equations (6.1), (6.2) or (6.3) of IEC62232 for
the sum of the EIRPs including those of nearby sources.
d. When such condition is not fulfilled the installation is still exempted from evaluations if the product
is installed at a minimum height of Hm meters above the general public walkway and at a minimum
distance from areas accessible to the general public in the main lobe direction of Dm meters, where
Hm and Dm are obtained using Equations (6.1), (6.2) or (6.3) of IEC 62232 for the sum of the EIRPs
including those of nearby sources

16 Annex 2
 IMPROVING WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY THROUGH SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENT

6 Further Resources
Small Cells and Health is a brochure produced by the Small Cell Forum
(www.smallcellforum.org), the GSMA (www.gsma.com) and the Mobile
Manufacturers Forum (www.mmfai.org).
French Industry Strategic Plans – Small Cells White Paper, Actions
de Souveraineté Télécoms - Promouvoir le deploiement des petites
cellules: leur utilité dans les réseaux mobiles, l’amélioration de leur
cadre règlementaire, leur facilité de deployment, October 2015 (http://
www.lemag-numerique.com/2015/10/4-nouveaux-livres-blancs-sur-la-
souverainete-telecoms-7966)

IEC TC106: http://www.iec.ch/tc106

ITU-T EMF: http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/emf/
WHO EMF: http://www.who.int/emf/

Further Resources | 17
 For further information please visit
the GSMA website at www.gsma.com

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