* Service extension to non-cellular devices: Since Wi-Fi support has become ubiquitous on everything from laptops to tablets and cameras, integrating Wi-Fi into small cells will allow carriers to extend data services to non-cellular devices, adding an additional source of revenue.
* Smart and intelligent data offload schemes: With Wi-Fi integration, smart data offload schemes will enable service providers to selectively allow voice and other carrier-managed value added services to be served through the carrier's core network (via cellular connection), while offloading Internet traffic to Wi-Fi. These offload schemes can provide mobile users the best of both worlds, cellular connectivity for voice and value added carrier services, and Wi-Fi connectivity for cost-effective data services. This would also enable carriers to launch cost-effective plans. [Also see: ""]
* Wi-Fi on-load: Wi-Fi, when part of a small cell, can be easily linked to the core network over the same backhaul link, allowing carriers to provide end-to-end quality of service guarantees and cellular-like for Wi-Fi traffic. This essentially means that all carrier services, including the voice, value added and data services can be effectively and efficiently provisioned on the Wi-Fi radio itself. In fact, carriers will be able to roll out Wi-Fi only, cost-effective plans featuring full-fledged access to all sorts of carrier services -- talking, surfing, messaging, etc. The concept of Wi-Fi on-load is being aggressively targeted by service providers, such as Republic Wireless.
* Seamless cellular Wi-Fi handovers: Integration of cellular and Wi-Fi radios in a small cell also allows for seamless handover of traffic from cellular to Wi-Fi radio and vice versa as requirements shift due to, say, excessive interference, battery drain or overload conditions on either the cellular or Wi-Fi radio. Seamless handovers assures the continuity and quality of traffic for a mobile user regardless of radio access technology.
* Local breakout: This function essentially allows users to connect their mobile devices to the local home, office, or campus network without traversing the operator's core or any other outside network. Local breakout capability can be easily achieved with a small cell that has integrated Wi-Fi.