Ericsson helps expand 5G to rural US customers

With a new deal recently signed between Ericsson and Nex-Tech Wireless as well as with RINA Wireless, the trend of increasing 5G coverage in the US continues to grow with new stretches into rural areas. Ericsson’s partnership with Nex-Tech Wireless is set to modernize the Kansas-based carrier’s network, enabling it to bring 5G capabilities to specific Kansas markets as well as launch Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Wi-Fi Calling services using Ericsson’s cloud-based IMS solution. The agreement, featuring Ericsson’s 5G New Radio (NR) hardware and software as well upgraded Cloud Core network, will enable Nex-Tech Wireless to deploy 5G when ready. With the Rural Independent Network Alliance (RINA) Wireless, a cooperative, peer-to-peer association of independent Communication Service Providers (CSPs), Ericsson is helping to make 5G available in some of America’s more rural areas, bringing Cloud Packet Core for 5G to the carrier’s existing Ericsson 4G Core and Radio Access Network (RAN).