UScellular Boosts Rural 5G with Ericsson Router

Ericsson and UScellular have joined forces to leverage Ericsson's advanced cell-site router technology in order to establish a robust 5G transport infrastructure. This collaboration aims to facilitate the efficient utilization of mid-band spectrum for radio access network (RAN) deployment, a venture that both companies embarked on in 2023. The partnership includes the integration of Ericsson's existing Router 6000 portfolio with the newly announced Router 6671.

Recognizing the critical need for a strong transport infrastructure to deploy 5G networks effectively in rural areas, UScellular and Ericsson have come together to ensure reliable and secure backhaul, site deployment flexibility, optimized port speeds and density for traffic aggregation, and advanced synchronization for superior RAN performance. The introduction of Router 6671 future-proofs the significant installed base of Ericsson Router 6000 products across the UScellular network footprint, marking a significant milestone in this initiative.

UScellular made history by becoming the first customer globally to deploy Ericsson's newly unveiled Router 6671, which was showcased at MWC 2024. This move solidifies UScellular's position as a key player in harnessing Ericsson's cutting-edge equipment and expertise to construct robust and reliable 5G networks.

"This collaboration goes beyond mere connectivity – it's about empowering communities, boosting local economies, and enabling modern digital services," stated Narothum Saxena, vice president of technology, strategy, and architecture at UScellular. "From supporting Fixed Wireless Access to enhancing mobility and improving access to essential services like online education and healthcare, together with Ericsson, we are dedicated to transforming rural America's digital landscape."

The integration of state-of-the-art 5G transport technology is crucial for deploying mid-band spectrum, supported by Ericsson's top-tier RAN transport site routers. Router 6000 offers the necessary transport capacity to fully leverage the capabilities of the mid-band spectrum, in addition to industry-leading RAN-near features like advanced synchronization. Moreover, Router 6000 contributes to lowering the total cost of ownership through features such as ultra-low power consumption and NESAS-certified security, promoting more efficient and sustainable performance in rural and suburban areas within the UScellular footprint.

"While we are in the business of technology, our core purpose is connecting people and enabling them to accelerate their businesses," emphasized Bill Chotiner, Vice President & Chief Technology Officer for Customer Unit Regional Customers, Ericsson North America. "By deploying our advanced Router 6671 alongside New Radio Time Division Duplexing (NR TDD) technology, UScellular is delivering unparalleled connectivity and broadband speeds in its markets."

Together, Ericsson and UScellular are poised to enhance internet speeds, capacity, and reliability for rural residents nationwide, aligning with the benchmarks set by 5G mid-band spectrum deployment. This collaboration is instrumental in realizing crucial use cases such as precision agriculture, smart farms, remote education, and telemedicine.

For more information, visit www.ericsson.com