Andrew makes 'smooth' entry into Telefonica

HICKORY, USA: Telefonica Moviles Group, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators, has approved HELIAX 2.0 FXL smoothwall cable from Andrew Solutions, the CommScope Inc. division that is a global leader in wireless communication systems and products, for use in many of its wireless networks.

Andrew’s high-performing, lower-cost transmission line solution, HELIAX 2.0 FXL, which surpasses or equals the electrical performance of leading copper corrugated cables, has now been approved for use by several Telefonica offices in Central America, South America and Europe.

Telefonica accepted FXL smoothwall after performing successful trials around the globe, and currently has deployed the cable in one South American market with more under consideration.

“We were impressed in the trials of Andrew’s FXL smoothwall cable due to its excellent RF performance as a transmission line plus the cable’s lighter weight, increased ease during installation, and other benefits,” said Juan Cerusico, GCTO architecture and planning, Telefonica LatAm.

“Our customers value the performance of our networks, so we had to ensure that switching to a new cable would continue meeting our high standards, and we are confident that FXL smoothwall will meet these expectations.”

The patented solid triple-bonded construction of FXL smoothwall adds crush and tensile strength that far exceeds corrugated cables. Andrew® FXL smoothwall cable provides maximum RF coverage due to better return loss and attenuation that surpasses or equals leading copper cables. Lighter weight than all-copper corrugated cables, FXL smoothwall can help reduce tower loading and freight costs.

“Operators around the globe are seeing the benefit of switching to smoothwall cable, and it has been accepted by many operators and OEMs,” said Stan Catey, senior vice president and general manager, Cable Products, Andrew. “We are pleased that Telefonica has joined the evolution to FXL smoothwall for use in many of their markets.”

Major operators worldwide have been trialing and deploying FXL smoothwall cable for close to a decade with over 48 million feet installed in wireless networks globally.