Virgin Media plans to improve indoor mobile broadband coverage using long-term evolution/4G-based femtocell devices, it has been reported.

According to ISPreview.co.uk, the broadband provider plans to bid for a share of the UK's 800MHz and 2.6GHz spectrum in next year's auction.

The firm believes femtocells can ease network congestion as mobile data consumption continues to rise.

A Virgin Media spokesperson told ISPreview.co.uk that people are increasingly connecting more devices wirelessly to the internet.

"It is important this doesn't become a capacity bottleneck in future," they stated.

"In order to maximise the value of what is limited spectrum, short-range low-powered frequencies could be used to ensure localised areas of high demand are satisfied."

The spokesperson said these frequencies could be shared by companies beyond just the mobile network operators.

This means consumers will benefit from greater innovation and a better quality wireless internet experience, they added.