O2 trials femtocells in UK

O2 is working with NEC Europe to test the use of femtocells in the UK. Femtocells are low-powered base stations that connect to a home broadband service, offering improved coverage indoors. Testing started this month, with plans for expansion this summer and a commercial launch in 2009. NEC says up to 70-80% of 3G voice and services are used indoors, making femtocells a practical solution to coverage problems. Vodafone has announced a similar trial, working with Alcatel-Lucent and Huawei in Spain. [O2 press release; Vodafone press release]