The University of Bedfordshire's research expertise in wireless networks has improved wireless systems and benefitted large corporations, mobile phone users and SMEs as well maintaining the Government’s vision to make Britain digital.

Helping to develop new technology

Our work has made communications more convenient and enabled the development of new technology that can improve data access through speed and capacity.

We have improved the efficiency of wireless systems and benefitted customers as well as expanding the business reach for operators.

This work has important economic impact - enabling a new alternative cellular communication technology that can improve data access through speed and capacity as well as making communications more convenient. Our work has improved the efficiency of working for customers and the business reach for operators.

Telecom experts interested in extending cellular coverage worked with researchers at the University of Bedfordshire to devise a new type of technology where users could access a network from inside a building without losing service quality.

Femtocell

Several technical approaches were considered and the femtocell name was coined in 2005 for a standalone, self-configuring home base station that did not require a dedicated handset. The Femto Forum was set up in 2007 so that manufacturers and operators could obtain and exchange information relevant to small-scale cellular communications.

According to ABI research, by 2014 energy savings from femtocells for operators are equivalent to planting 12,000 acres of forest. So the work of researchers at the University has had ecological impacts as well as social and economic. This is particularly important since the number of small cells is growing from 3.2million in 2012 to 64.4 million by 2016 – a 20-fold increase.

Digital Britain

Our work into developing wireless systems also aligns with the government’s mission of Digital Britain, which aims to increase the quality of life for the general public in terms of research on an alternative wireless broadband access technology.

This world-leading research has had an impact on society, culture and creativity. The initial results were disseminated through ESPRC’s Digital Economy impact review, whose readers include policy makers, researchers and the general public.