Cisco has announced plans to acquire UK-based small cell technology company Ubiquisys in a deal worth $310 million.

Privately-held Ubiquisys provides small cell technology for 3G and LTE networks.

Cisco claims the acquisition will strengthen its mobility strategy and allow it to provide more intelligent mobile internet technology to allow operators “to better monetise and optimise their mobile networks”.

The deal – something of a surprise, given Cisco’s close relationship with Ubiquisys’ rival ip.access – is expected to close in Cisco’s fiscal fourth quarter with Ubiquisys being integrated into the US company’s Mobility Business Group.

The increase in voice and data on mobile networks means offloading traffic has become an important consideration for operators, with small cell networks a cost-effective way to increase capacity and make better use of spectrum assets.

Cisco’s push into mobile technology also includes the recent acquisitions of network policy control and service management provider BroadHop and self-optimizing network software maker Intucell.