ABI Research, a market intelligence company specializing in analyzing global technology markets, released its ranking for companies best, and effectively, using macro base stations.
Macro base stations still play a crucial role in mobile networks today, despite trends toward the increased use of small cells, Wi-Fi offload and other techniques for getting signals out to customers. Currently, 1.5 million LTE macro base stations are expected to be deployed by 2015, according to a study by research firm, In-Stat.
Nokia Siemens Networks took the top spot thanks in no small part to its implementation of its macro base station. Additionally, Ericsson, though ranked second, took best in class for implementation, and Alcatel-Lucent, coming in third, took the best-in-class award for innovation.
Alcatel-Lucent's innovation prize, ABI Research says, is thanks to its best-in-class showing for its R&D investment and commitment, small cell and HetNet development and TCO innovation areas. Nokia Siemens Networks took second place in the innovations category thanks to its best-in-class scores for essential IP, advanced features roadmap and multi-protocol support.
But Ericsson may have won the best prize of all: first place in the implementation category thanks to having the most LTE contracts and subscriber potential. Finally, Nokia Siemens Networks ranked second in ABI Research's implementation category with its best-in-class score for LTE RAN contract.
“The macro RAN vendor market is changing rapidly with architectures evolving towards distributed HetNets and legacy vendors examining their strategies and positioning as the next CapEx investment cycle gains momentum for 4G,” Nick Marshall, principal analyst for ABI Research said in a statement. “In this assessment we placed a heavy emphasis on 4G/LTE and advanced feature support and innovation as we ranked these companies and we expect each company to bring its own unique strengths to this market as they engage for market share worldwide.”
Edited by
Rachel Ramsey
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