UScellular Utilizes Ericsson’s Latest Router Technology to Enhance 5G Infrastructure in Rural Areas of US
Ericsson and UScellular announced an infrastructure upgrade, which uses Ericsson’s existing Router 6000 product portfolio and the newly released Router 6671 to narrow the digital divide in rural America by strengthening the 5G transmission infrastructure and enhancing high-speed Internet access.
This collaboration utilizes Ericsson’s advanced cellular site router technology to provide the necessary transmission infrastructure for the wireless access network (RAN) deployment of the two companies starting in 2023, in order to effectively utilize the intermediate frequency spectrum.
UScellular has recognized the urgent need for strong transportation infrastructure to effectively deploy 5G networks in rural areas. The alliance aims to ensure reliable and secure backhaul, site deployment flexibility, optimized port speed and traffic aggregation density, as well as advanced synchronization to achieve outstanding RAN performance. Router 6671 provides future support for the massive installation base of Ericsson Router 6000 products deployed in the US base station network, marking significant progress in this plan.
When this technology became available, UScellular became the world’s first customer to deploy Ericsson’s newly released router 6671 and showcased it at MWC 2024. This will make UScellular a key player in building powerful and reliable 5G networks using Ericsson’s most advanced equipment and expertise.
This collaboration is not just about connectivity, but about empowering communities while promoting local economic development 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 basic services such as online education and healthcare, we work with Ericsson to change the digital landscape of rural America.”
With the support of Ericsson’s top-notch RAN transmission site routers, the advancement and integration of advanced 5G transmission technology are crucial for deploying intermediate frequency spectrum. Router 6000 provides the transmission capability required to fully utilize the intermediate frequency spectrum function, as well as industry-leading short-range LAN features such as advanced synchronization, while reducing total cost of ownership, such as router 6000’s ultra-low power consumption and * NESAS certified security. These features provide more efficient and sustainable performance in rural and suburban areas covered by base stations in the United States.
Bill Chotiner, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Ericsson’s North American Customer Division, said, “While we create technology, connecting people and accelerating business development is our core goal. By using our advanced Router 6671 and new Radio Time Division Duplex (NR TDD) technology, UScellular is providing unprecedented connectivity and broadband speeds in its market. Although this is a technological advancement, we are even more proud of what it means for people and communities to now have access to expanded and enhanced connectivity. This ongoing collaboration is a bold step forward and part of bringing better 5G experiences to more communities in the United States.”
Ericsson’s product portfolio has been deployed in the US base station network, demonstrating the effectiveness of centralized RAN in achieving peak spectrum efficiency and capacity, while reducing the overall network cost of population centers by integrating network resources to maximize utilization. UScellular now has the option to deploy advanced features of the new Router 6671, further enhancing synchronization and capacity to support powerful 5G mid frequency deployment.
Ericsson and UScellular will jointly improve the speed, capacity and reliability of the Internet for rural residents across the country, consistent with the standards set for 5G IF spectrum deployment. This will help fulfill the promise of important use cases such as precision agriculture, smart farms, remote education, and telemedicine, making them more accessible in rural areas of the United States.