Ericsson Works with NetAmerica on Rural LTE

Ericsson and the NetAmerica Alliance, announced a agreement for LTE rollouts in smaller markets and rural areas across the United States. The NetAmerica Alliance is deploying a shared nationwide LTE network in partnership with independent operators holding 700 MHz or AWS spectrum.


Under the four-year contract, Ericsson will be the sole supplier for the LTE -based radio access network and the core network, based Evolved Packet Core (EPC) technology. The contract also includes IMS, enabling the deployment of tailor-made applications and systems integration services. Furthermore, Ericsson will provide a Mobile Home Gateway solution, which integrates easily with existing wireline service offerings to deliver broadband speeds to communities that have not yet been able to roll out fixed broadband services cost effectively.


Arun Bhikshesvaran, Head of Strategy and Market Development, Ericsson North America, says: "This is a new type of LTE deployment. NetAmerica is making it possible for smaller operators to join together to deliver cost effectively the same mobile broadband services available in major metropolitan areas. The socioeconomic benefits of broadband services in metropolitan areas are well-proven and, with applications designed for rural consumers, one can only imagine the extent to which the people and businesses in these markets will become more empowered and more productive as a result of this opportunity."


Roger Hutton, Chairman and CEO of NetAmerica, says: "Our requirements and those of our participants demanded more than just a vendor relationship. We needed a partner who could truly work with us and our alliance participants to not only bring 4G wireless to their communities, but to provide true converged services for their wireline business as well. After an extensive evaluation of all the major suppliers, Ericsson proved to be that partner."http://www.ericsson.com
http://www.netamericaalliance.com