Verizon has selected Ericsson to provide the networking equipment for Verizon’s pre-standard 5G fixed wireless access service, which will be deployed in Sacramento, California and other U.S. markets during the second half of 2018. Ericsson will supply the 5G core network, radio access network (RAN), transport and associated services. The value of the deal was not announced.
During the past year, Verizon and Ericsson conducted fixed wireless trials at 28 GHz in multiple cities and residential neighborhoods encompassing different geographies and housing densities. The trials have provided critical information about propagation and radio technologies, as Verizon has moved to be the first operator in the U.S. to deploy a “5G” millimeter wave broadband network. Data from the trials is aiding the development of the upcoming 3GPP 5G new radio (NR) standard.
Ed Chan, responsible for technology strategy and planning for corporate networking and technology at Verizon, said, “Through our work with Ericsson, we are creating a clear roadmap and building a robust ecosystem that will enable us to maximize the potential of 5G.”
Fredrik Jejdling, who heads Ericsson’s networks business, said, “Our pioneering work with 5G will make U.S. consumers and businesses among the first in the world to benefit from the transformative services of the new technology.”