Although GSM just passed the 2 billion mark, there is still enormous potential for new subscribers - in both urban and rural areas. These markets are attractive for the operators - who generally already have a GSM network - and the key to rural subscribers is to offer low-cost solutions to users and operators.

Eva Andersson, who works with Ericsson's Expander solution for rural markets, says they are now focusing not just on improved coverage and radio performance but also on cutting costs for the total RAN sites.

"The site, power, transmission, and rollout are major cost drivers for many operators in Expander markets," Andersson says. "We can help them to bring down their total cost of ownership (TCO) through a range of improvements in these areas."

ese improvements include getting better coverage and optimizing the sites by using a unique Ericsson antenna, the new modular high-gain antenna (MHGA). Other improvements are the new high-capacity radio base stations (double transceivers) for GSM, which have double capacity on the same footprint; and saving up to 25 percent in transmission costs by leveraging on the modern microwave network architecture of MINI-LINK TN (Traffic Node).

The new RBS version also gives 20-30 percent saved power consumption (mainly through less need of cooling), simplified installation, and improved network management. Pre-defined equipment - for base stations, antennas, power, transmission, and installation - will speed up and reduce the cost of rollout and operation.

Patrik Sivermalm, product manager for RAN site solutions, says, "By putting focus on the total site offering, we will optimize the RAN even more. This is done by identifying the connections between functionalities on a site and improving them from a radio, service, and cost perspective.

"By introducing the new version of Expander with focus on site and transmission, Ericsson is taking a step towards a more site-focused business that will lead us to the next level," Silvermalm says.

Ericsson's Expander offering for radio networks is already available on the market and is installed in a number of operator networks.