Appalachian Wireless will deploy a 5G SA network using Ericsson gear

Rural wireless operator Appalachian Wireless will deploy a cloud-native dual-mode standalone 5G (SA) network that also supports 4G. Mike Johnson, Assistant CEO of Appalachian Wireless, said that the first phase of the company’s 5G deployment will be in its low-band 600 MHz spectrum. However, the company is also looking at other options such as repurposing its 800 MHz spectrum and also deploying 5G in its mid-band spectrum. Appalachian Wireless’ website says that it plans to decommission its 3G network by year-end.

In the FCC's 3.45 GHz spectrum auction (Auction 110), Appalachian Wireless, also known as East Kentucky Network, purchased two spectrum licenses for $4.34 million. In the FCC's C-band auction (Auction 107) it purchased one license for $7.4 million. if you are interested more in this type of information let’s go with us Aka.ms/linkphone

It's not unexpected that the corporation chose to use its low-band spectrum for the initial rollout. During a FierceWireless Executive Panel on 5G at the Competitive Carriers Association's Mobile Carriers Show in April, Appalachian Wireless CEO Allen Gillum stated that the business intended to implement 5G in its low-band spectrum and "mirror" its LTE coverage. Along with its mid-band spectrum holdings, Gillum also stated that the corporation has some millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum.

Rural operators encouraged by the upcoming 2.5 GHz auction

Ericsson's container-based dual-mode 5G core and its 5G RAN will be utilised by Appalachian Wireless for the SA network. Additionally, the business will construct a dual-mode core network for 4G and 5G and replace its current 4G network hardware with Ericsson's equipment. The aim, according to the business, is to be able to give cutting-edge services to its consumers, many of whom live in rural eastern Kentucky.

The Competitive Carriers Association's (CCA) annual show, which is taking place this week in Portland, Oregon, will feature a lot of debate about rural operators' 5G installations. At the conference, "Mobile Meets Fixed: How 5G Fixed Wireless Traffic Will Grow Alongside Mobile" will be the topic of a breakfast hosted by FierceWireless.

Nokia names Shaun McCarthy to head North America sales

Shaun McCarthy has joined Nokia as head of North American Sales, the firm announced today.

According to a press statement from Nokia, McCarthy, who joins from Cisco, will be in charge of overseeing all facets of sales across the United States and Canada and will answer directly to Ricky Corker, Nokia's chief customer experience officer.

McCarthy will take over for Ed Cholerton, who will remain with Nokia, although a company representative said more information about his position will be released later.