Downlink propagation measurements in the GSM 900 and 1800 MHz bands

The authors investigate radio propagation in the GSM 900 and 1800 MHz bands in a typical Swedish suburban environment to determine whether or not it is practically feasible to co-site GSM 900 with GSM 1800 systems. They show that propagation in the GSM 1800 band is considerable higher (about 12 dB) than in the old GSM 900. In many cases this difference can be reduced by using dual band sector antennas with 3 dB higher gain at 1800 MHz. However, they also show that in small cells (radius <1000 m) this difference is of little concern and therefore it is possible to co-locate GSM 1800 sites within existing 900 MHz sites as a cost-effective way to increase the system capacity.