BCL (Broadcast Communications Limited) in New Zealand have supplied broadcast and telecommunications services for over 60 years. The BCL 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 who provided a wireless DSL system, the AS4020.

Airspan selected Cobham Antenna Systems, Microwave Antennas to develop and supply 60°, 90° and 120° sector antennas for the BCL system. Airspan were confident that the antennas would meet the required specification approved to ETSI specifications.

The base station antennas are a key component within the system, ensuring that frequency re-use is optimized throughout the network.  Meeting radiation pattern requirements within the 2.0 to 2.3GHz frequency band, all designs are based around phased-array printed circuit technology for slim, neat, rugged and reliable antennas that are ideal for environmentally sensitive areas.

Matt Bostwick, Communications Manager of BCL New Zealand advised: "A key issue was building a network in some of the most inhospitable locations imaginable to meet the challenges posed by New Zealand's rugged landscape and dispersed population. That means that every aspect of our network had to meet the highest standards of reliability - including the antennas."

The slim panel 60° sector antenna has 17 dBi gain, vertical polarization, and weighs 2.4kg (5lbs).

The 90° sector has 15 dBi gain, whilst the 120° sector has 14dBi gain. Elevation beamwidths of approximately 7°, when combined with electrical down-tilt, mechanical elevation adjustment and null-fill, provide short to long range coverage.

They can be mounted on masts or poles to provide a versatile solution to all manner of communication systems.