Verizon will trial SpiderCloud's dual-mode LTE-U small cells in Q3 2016.

Dan Jones, Mobile Editor

February 10, 2016

2 Min Read
Verizon to Test SpiderCloud LTE-U Small Cells

Enterprise small cell provider SpiderCloud is expanding its relationship with Verizon Wireless. The carrier is to test the vendor's LTE-U small cells, which are designed for improving in-building coverage. (See Verizon Taps SpiderCloud for Dual-Band 4G Small Cells.)

LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) is a version of the 4G technology deployed in the 5GHz public band, a frequency it shares with WiFi devices. A carrier can use LTE-U technology to expand its coverage by aggregating the extra capacity with existing, licensed 4G airwaves. (See Wireless Companies Unite to Ward Off LTE-U Regulation.)

Along with T-Mobile US Inc. , Verizon Wireless is the US operator that has been most positive about LTE-U so far. It has already said it will start deploying the technology this year. (See Verizon to Start Deploying LTE-U in 2016.)

Verizon will be testing SpiderCloud's LTE-U Enterprise Radio Access Network (E-RAN) product, a tiny cellular radio that operates over licensed and unlicensed spectrum and is intended for large venues and "busy enterprises," says the vendor.

Verizon will trial SpiderCloud's LTE-U system in the third quarter of 2016.

SpiderCloud has emerged as the radio access network sector's leading independent small cell-focused vendor. Its profile was raised significantly a year ago when it announced a partnership with Cisco, regarded as the company most likely to acquire the small cell specialist if it doesn't go public. The Cisco deal helped SpiderCloud land the Best Deal Maker award at the 2015 Leading Lights. (See SpiderCloud: A Small Cell Acquisition Target?, Cisco to Resell SpiderCloud's Small Cells and Leading Lights Awards 2015: The Winners.)

The company, which boasts a number of big name operators as customers, has now raised more than $130 million following a $15.2 million round on December 2015.

For more on SpiderCloud and the small cells market, see:

— Dan Jones, Mobile Editor, Light Reading

About the Author(s)

Dan Jones

Mobile Editor

Dan is to hats what Will.I.Am is to ridiculous eyewear. Fedora, trilby, tam-o-shanter -- all have graced the Jones pate during his career as the go-to purveyor of mobile essentials.

But hey, Dan is so much more than 4G maps and state-of-the-art headgear. Before joining the Light Reading team in 2002 he was an award-winning cult hit on Broadway (with four 'Toni' awards, two 'Emma' gongs and a 'Brian' to his name) with his one-man show, "Dan Sings the Show Tunes."

His perfectly crafted blogs, falling under the "Jonestown" banner, have been compared to the works of Chekhov. But only by Dan.

He lives in Brooklyn with cats.

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