Alcatel-Lucent Tops ABI Research’s Competitive Assessment of the $2.65B Small Cells and Carrier Wi-Fi Market

Alcatel-Lucent ranked first among Small Cells and Carrier Wi-Fi solution providers in ABI Research’s latest Competitive Assessment. Huawei and Cisco followed in second and third places respectively. The assessment is based on a vendor matrix that ranks vendors according to innovation and implementation in Small Cells and Carrier Wi-Fi solutions:

Overall: ALU, Huawei, Cisco

Innovation: ALU, NSN, NEC

Implementation: ALU, Huawei, Ericsson

With the rise of Heterogeneous Networks (HetNet) and indoor enterprise market, flexible small cells solutions are needed for different deployment scenarios and to integrate seamlessly with the macro layer and other components of the network. The top three vendors in small cells innovation are: Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia Solutions and Networks, and NEC. These vendors ranked on top because of their extended portfolios and comprehensive set of features.

Implementation top ranks, on the other hand, were given to Alcatel-Lucent, Huawei, and Ericsson for their higher deployment numbers. Alcatel-Lucent has managed to secure the largest number of publicized small cells contracts with top tier-1 operators while Huawei has the highest global reach in terms of small cells with significant presence in all regions.

“The small cells market is very competitive now with the increasing demand for LTE, Carrier Wi-Fi, and enterprise femtocells,” says research analyst, Ahmed Ali.Small cells offerings slightly differ based on the company’s background (i.e. infrastructure equipment manufacturers, ICT providers, and in-building solution providers, etc.).Most small cell solutions deliver an appreciable increase in voice/data coverage and capacity where deployed.One of the highly anticipated products is the multi-mode small cell that operates on 3G and 4G simultaneously. Continuing, Ali says, “Vendors need to start pushing the envelope in order to differentiate themselves and consider other major areas for growth such as value added services and small cells wireless backhaul.”

These findings are part of ABI Research’s Small Cells and Carrier Wi-FiResearch Service.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.