BCL (Broadcast Communications Limited)
is an experienced wireless solutions partner in the New Zealand communications industry, supplying
broadcast and telecommunications services for over 60 years. Today, its broadcast service reaches
nearly all New Zealanders. BCL's Extend wireless broadband network provides broadband services to
rural and provincial users, meeting the challenges posed by New Zealand's widespread population and
mountainous terrain.
BCL worked with Airspan Networks to provide the broadband access
technology. Airspan is a leading provider of wireless DSL systems worldwide, with licenses in
frequency bands ranging from 900 MHz to 4 GHz, as well as deployments with 90 operators in over 45
countries. Airspan's technology is based on a patented DS-CDMA design that has been
optimised for use in fixed wireless access environments, delivering a robust and reliable radio
service. The system used in New Zealand was the Airspan AS4020 wireless DSL system.
In turn,
Airspan selected Chelton (then European Antennas) to develop and supply 60 degree, 90
degree and 120 degree sector antennas for the BCL system. Airspan was confident that Cobham would
develop exactly the antenna it wanted, approved to ETSI specifications, to meet the deployment
deadlines specified by BCL.
The base station antennas designed by
Chelton are a key component of the Airspan network, ensuring that frequency re-use is
optimized throughout.
Meeting radiation pattern requirements within the 2.0 to 2.3 GHz
frequency band, all our designs are based around phased-array printed circuit technology, for slim,
neat antennas that are rugged and reliable, and ideal for environmentally sensitive
areas.
Matt Bostwick, Communications Manager of BCL New Zealand, advises: "A key issue BCL
faced was building a network in some of the most inhospitable locations imaginable to meet the
unique challenges posed by New Zealand's spectacular landscape and dispersed population. That means
that every aspect of our network has had to meet the highest standards of
reliability – including the antennas."
Chelton's slim panel,
60-degree sector antenna has 17 dBi gain, vertical polarization, and weighs 2.4kg (5lbs). The 90
degree sector has 15 dBi gain, whilst the 120 degree sector has 14dBi gain. We combine elevation
beam widths of approximately 7 degrees with electrical down-tilt, mechanical elevation adjustment
and null-fill, to provide coverage from short- to long-range. Our antennas are mounted
on a variety of masts and poles, to provide a versatile solution to a wide range of communications
system requirements. Our antennas meet all of BCL's (and
therefore Airspan's) needs.
The base station antennas shown in the photographs
are part of BCL's Extend network in New Zealand.
EXTEND Network
Wireless
DSL
Contact us direct for more information: newmarket.sales@chelton.com,
or telephone +44 (0)1638 732177.
