3M Introduces Next-Generation Tower Solutions for Wireless Industry

New installations employ latest fiber-optic capabilities with powerful cable management for advanced 3G and 4G wireless networks

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--3M will introduce the 3M Tower Solutions line of products and solutions at the PCIA Wireless Infrastructure Show in Dallas. 3M Tower Solutions is a suite of technology solutions for the wireless industry that offers the latest in weatherproofing, fiber connectivity and cable management for the tower infrastructure.

“3M offers a robust portfolio of proven technology with extensive experience in products and solutions that can enable fast and affordable installs, with considerable savings on inventory, operating expenses and maintenance costs.”

“As wireless networks migrate from 3G to 4G, the future is fiber. 3M Tower Solutions can help service providers transition from traditional coax base stations to new fiber-fed Remote Radio Units,” said Steve King, 3M Communication Markets Division applications engineer. “3M offers a robust portfolio of proven technology with extensive experience in products and solutions that can enable fast and affordable installs, with considerable savings on inventory, operating expenses and maintenance costs.”

Next-generation, fiber-fed architectures are quickly becoming the new norm for tower builds and retrofits, offering a number of benefits over traditional coaxial-based systems, including:

• Energy efficiency. According to industry studies, FTTA designs are more energy efficient. Less power and signal are lost from the base station to the antenna, and less cooling is needed for base station equipment.
• Coverage and Capacity. FTTA designs also enable denser coverage with fewer service gaps. Advanced antenna techniques, such as multiple in multiple out (MIMO) and remote electrical tilt (RET), can be easily supported by tower-mounted remote radio units (RRU).
• Smaller footprint. A smaller equipment footprint means less requirement for real estate at the base of the tower and minimized visual impact.
• Elegant design. Fiber-fed design lessens coaxial congestion and tower loading while providing exceptional bandwidth for future network evolution.

From terminals and connectors to weatherproofing solutions and insulators, 3M Tower Solutions offer a full range of products to connect and protect FTTA networks. For more information, visit www.3m.com/wireless or call 1-800-426-8688.

Watch for the RCR Wireless News 2011 Global Tour, Conference Series & News Desk to feature 3M Tower Solutions at the PCIA Wireless Infrastructure Show October 3-6 in Dallas Texas. The news desk will showcase products and solutions from 3M that enable Next Gen with weatherproofing, fiber connectivity and cable management for wireless networks.

About 3M Communication Markets Division
For more than 50 years, products from 3M have formed the backbone of the telecommunications industry. Global customers have come to rely on 3M quality to connect and protect their infrastructure. As a network of networks, the 3M Communication Markets Division connects smart grids to smart phones, wind farms to server farms, greenfield to brownfield and wireline to wireless. Today, 3M is taking fiber further, moving mobility forward and maximizing networks – from xDSL and FTTN to the enterprise. Find out more.

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. More information about 3M Company is available online.