The looming global gridlock in mobile communications promises to be averted following the launch of pioneering technology which will remove the bottlenecks constraining mobile networks and help deliver universal broadband coverage.

Alcatel-Lucent the leading network technology group, has joined forces with industry partners to develop lightRadio, a new system that signals the end of the mobile industry’s reliance on masts and base stations around the world.

Ben Verwaayen, chief executive officer of Alcatel-Lucent, said: “Today’s and tomorrow’s demands for coverage and capacity require a breakthrough in mobile communications.”

He added: “lightRadio will signal the end of the base station and the cell tower as we know it today.”

Governments and regulatory bodies are expected to welcome the technical development, which will help meet targets for universal broadband access by laying the foundation to address the so-called “digital divide”.

Wim Sweldens, president of Alcatel-Lucent’s Wireless Division said: “lightRadio will help mobile operators evolve their networks to address the mobile broadband deluge.”