The initial rollout of third-generation (3G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks will rely heavily on femtocells and picocells, according to a new report from analysts at ABI Research. The report, "Long Term Evolution (LTE)," explains that these smaller sites provide better in-building coverage in some cases. In Europe and other regions, LTE will operate in the 2.6-GHz band, although in the US it will largely be found in 700 MHz range, and in China TD-LTE will be most likely be deployed in the 1880 to 1920 MHz and 2010 to 2025 MHz MHz bands, so the need for femtocells may be considered less pressing in those areas. Once coverage is established, it is expected that larger, macrocells will be installed for expanded coverage.

ABI Research (www.abiresearch.com)