O2 and Vodafone have both announced they are trialing femtocell, a technology designed to boost indoor reception on 3G handsets.

O2 is working with NEC, a provider of IT network solutions, and are starting to carry out trials at the beginning of this month.

The operator says that, if successful, the trial will be rolled out in greater numbers across the UK in the summer, with a view to a commercial launch by early 2009.

Meanwhile, Vodafone is carrying out trials in Spain with Alcatel-Lucent and Huawei to explore the technology’s potential.

Femtocells are access points that support 3G devices and connect to the core network via broadband DSL. Both networks hope that the service will drive premium service uptake and increase their 3G subscriber base.