- Ericsson and UScellular are collaborating to enhance 5G
transport infrastructure and reliable 5G networks in rural
communities across the U.S.
- Local economies will receive a boost by the enablement of
modern digitalization services as part of mid-band deployment that
started in 2023, continues in 2024 and beyond
PLANO,
Texas, Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ericsson
(NASDAQ: ERIC) and UScellular (NYSE: USM) today announced an
infrastructure upgrade, leveraging Ericsson's existing Router 6000
portfolio along with the newly announced Router 6671, aimed at
closing the digital divide in rural America through bolstering 5G
transport infrastructure and enhancing high-speed internet
access.
This collaboration leverages Ericsson's advanced cell-site
router technology to provide the necessary transport infrastructure
for efficient utilization of mid-band spectrum for radio access
network (RAN) deployment that both companies embarked on in
2023.
UScellular has recognized the critical need for robust transport
infrastructure to effectively deploy 5G networks in rural areas.
This alliance is designed to ensure reliable and secure backhaul,
site deployment flexibility, optimized port speeds and density for
traffic aggregation, and advanced synchronization for superior RAN
performance. Router 6671 future-proofs the already significant
installed base of Ericsson Router 6000 products deployed across the
UScellular network footprint, marking significant progress in this
initiative.
When the technology became available, UScellular became the
first customer in the world to deploy Ericsson's newly announced
Router 6671, showcased at MWC 2024. This positions UScellular as a
key player in utilizing Ericsson's state-of-the-art equipment and
expertise to build robust and reliable 5G networks.
"This collaboration is about more than just connectivity – it's
about empowering communities while boosting local economies and
enabling modern digital services," said Narothum Saxena, vice
president of technology, strategy and architecture at UScellular.
"From supporting Fixed Wireless Access solutions and enhancing
mobility to improving access to essential services like online
education and healthcare, together with Ericsson we are committed
to transforming rural America's digital landscape."
The advancement and integration of cutting-edge 5G transport
technology is critical for deploying mid-band spectrum, supported
by Ericsson's best-in-class RAN transport site routers. Router 6000
provides the transport capacity necessary to fully harness the
capabilities of the mid-band spectrum, alongside industry-leading
RAN-near features like advanced synchronization while lowering the
total cost of ownership with features such as Router 6000's
ultra-low power consumption and *NESAS-certified security. These
capabilities fuel more efficient and sustainable performance in
rural and suburban areas within the UScellular footprint.
"While we make technology, connecting people, allowing them to
accelerate their business is at the heart of our purpose," said
Bill Chotiner, Vice President &
Chief Technology Officer for Customer Unit Regional Customers,
Ericsson North America. "By using
our advanced Router 6671 alongside New Radio Time Division
Duplexing (NR TDD) technology, UScellular is delivering
unprecedented connectivity and broadband speeds in its markets.
While this is a technological advancement, we're even more proud of
what this means for the people and communities who are now enabled
and empowered with expanded and enhanced connectivity. This
continued collaboration is a bold step forward and part of bringing
an even better 5G experience to more communities in America."
Ericsson's portfolio is already deployed in the UScellular
network, showcasing the effectiveness of Centralized RAN in
achieving peak spectral efficiency and capacity, while reducing
overall network costs in population centers through consolidation
of network resources to maximize utilization. UScellular now has
the option to deploy the advanced capabilities of the new Router
6671, further enhancing synchronization and capacity to support
robust 5G mid-band deployments.
Together, Ericsson and UScellular will be able to elevate
internet speeds, capacity, and reliability for rural residents
across the country, aligning with the standards set by 5G mid-band
spectrum deployment. This helps fulfill the promise of important
use cases like precision agriculture, smart farms, remote
education, and telemedicine – making these even more accessible in
rural America.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
*Network Equipment Security Assurance Scheme (NESAS)
Ericsson Mobile Transport
FOLLOW US:
Subscribe to Ericsson press releases here
Subscribe to Ericsson blog posts here
https://twitter.com/ericsson https://www.facebook.com/ericsson https://www.linkedin.com/company/ericsson
MORE INFORMATION AT:
Ericsson Newsroom
media.relations@ericsson.com (+46 10 719 69 92)
investor.relations@ericsson.com (+46 10 719 00 00)
ABOUT ERICSSON:
Ericsson's high-performing networks provide connectivity for
billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we've been
pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile
communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and
enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the
digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com
ABOUT USCELLULAR:
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in
the United States, providing
national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed
to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most.
The Chicago-based carrier provides
a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and
offers a wide range of communication services that enhance
consumers' lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses
and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its
After School Access Project, the company has donated more than
$23 million in hotspots and service
to help youth connect to reliable internet. To learn more about
UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com.
To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.
CONTACT:
Jannie Tong
jannie.tong@ericsson.com
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uscellular-leverages-latest-ericsson-router-technology-to-elevate-5g-infrastructure-in-rural-america-302212873.html
SOURCE Ericsson