Ericsson helps Nex-Tech Wireless bridge digital divide with 5G

PLANO, Texas, April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) will provide Nex-Tech Wireless, a Kansas-based wireless carrier, 5G technology in order to help bridge the digital divide. Under the agreement, Ericsson will provide 5G Evolved Packet Core and Radio Access Network (RAN) supporting 5G NR Non-standalone (NSA) in key sites in Nex-Tech Wireless' coverage areas in Kansas.

Rob Johnson, Head of Customer Unit Regional Carriers for Ericsson North America, said: "Through our partnership, Nex-Tech Wireless is able to deliver 5G capabilities including Core and RAN to its subscribers as they transition from 4G to 5G. We are excited to work with Nex-Tech Wireless to bring them the best network possible as they make this transition."

To assist Nex-Tech Wireless in bridging the digital divide, Ericsson's 5G EPC and RAN enhancements will future proof existing customer core assets via software updates in order to enable support for new use cases that require improved latency and data throughput guarantees. In addition, Nex-Tech Wireless will be implementing Ericsson Spectrum Sharing technology, which will allow the carrier to allocate spectrum assets efficiently based on traffic demand using existing infrastructure - enabling a smoother transition to 5G.

Jon Lightle, President and CEO of Nex-Tech Wireless, said: "As we make the move to 5G, it is critical that we have a seamless experience. Nex-Tech Wireless is excited to work with Ericsson to deliver that experience and to bring 5G capabilities to our customers in Kansas."

Nex-Tech Wireless and Ericsson also signed a deal in September 2019 to roll out 600 MHz 5G capabilities in key markets. The previous deal allowed Nex-Tech Wireless to provide Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Wi-Fi calling services utilizing Ericsson's cloud-based IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solution.

Nex-Tech Wireless expects to launch their 5G service by the third quarter of 2020.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Ericsson helps expand 5G to rural US customers

Find out more about Ericsson 5G.
Find out more about Ericsson's 5G partnerships.
Find out more about Ericsson 5G use case trials.

Find out more about Ericsson Spectrum Sharing.

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ABOUT ERICSSON

Ericsson enables communications service providers to capture the full value of connectivity. The company's portfolio spans Networks, Digital Services, Managed Services, and Emerging Business and is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson's investments in innovation have delivered the benefits of telephony and mobile broadband to billions of people around the world. The Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York. www.ericsson.com

About Nex-Tech Wireless

Nex-Tech Wireless, owned by Nex-Tech Inc./Rural Telephone, Golden Belt Telephone and Tri-County Telephone is a premiere wireless provider offering high-tech wireless solutions to residents in over 40 counties of central and western Kansas as well as local coverage to 4 counties in Colorado. Nex-Tech Wireless focuses on providing its customers cutting edge technology including data and mobile services, as well as the latest wireless equipment and competitive wireless plans that provide nationwide coverage. For more information, visit www.nex-techwireless.com

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SOURCE Ericsson