The BMW group has showcased the ‘Vehicular Small Cell’ research project at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The project aims to improve mobile reception inside vehicles and is based on mini cellular technology used by businesses to increase mobile connectivity indoors.

The Vehicular Small Cell project automatically sets up a connection between all mobile devices in the car and the vehicle aerial. Dr Peter Fertl, Project Manager BMW Group, says: “The Vehicular Small Cell will allow our customers to enjoy uninterrupted in-car usage of all mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and other connected devices of the future – even when driving through areas with poor cellular coverage.”

The Vehicular Small Cell allows all mobile devices inside the vehicle to transmit at very low power, which minimises radiation. What’s more, low-power transmission also saves battery power.