Ericsson has agreed to expand the wireless network of Kansas-based telecom Nex-Tech Wireless to include 5G capabilities and advanced LTE services.
While the major telecoms have been quick to deploy 5G services, across the U.S. there are a number of small, independent wireless carriers that have their own networks or that are piggybacking on the networks of other carriers.
Ericsson will assist Nex-Tech by installing its Fast Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) Launch solution, an industrialized and validated virtual IMS on Ericsson’s BSP8100 equipment to enable HD VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling and future 5G access.
The partnership includes rolling out 600 Mhz 5G capable sites in specific markets, where Ericsson will provide 3GPP standards-based 5G new radio (NR) hardware and software services with upgrades to the cloud network, allowing for the carrier to deploy 5G when ready.
While the VoLTE and other services were launched in June, Nex-Tech Wireless is gearing up for the transition to 5G. Previously, the companies collaborated to install more than 350 LTE sites across the Midwest.
