Method and apparatus for reconfiguring a multi-sector base station

A method for use in a radio base station and antenna system apparatus having a first sector configured to provide coverage for a first sector area and having first radio communications equipment connected to a first antenna with variable horizontal beamwidth and variable horizontal beam direction and a second sector configured to provide coverage for a second sector area and having second radio communications equipment connected to a second antenna with variable horizontal beamwidth and variable horizontal beam direction, comprising:

• detecting an indication to reconfigure the base station and antenna apparatus from a first base station configuration to a second base station configuration, and
• in response thereto, adjusting the horizontal beamwidth and horizontal beam direction of the first antenna to provide coverage both for the first sector area and for the second sector area.

A cell planning method for use in a radio network including multiple base stations where each of those base stations includes multiple sectors, each sector being configured to provide coverage for a corresponding one sector cell area and having radio communications equipment connected to a corresponding antenna with variable horizontal beamwidth and variable horizontal beam direction, where upon detecting a condition, the horizontal beamwidth and horizontal beam direction of one or more of the sector antennas is adjusted to provide coverage for additional sector cell areas, the method comprising:

• establishing a first cell plan and a second cell plan for the radio network, where the second cell plan corresponds to a situation where the horizontal beamwidth and horizontal beam direction of one or more of the sector antennas is adjusted to provide coverage for at least one cell area in addition to its corresponding sector cell area.