Ericsson & NetAmerica To Deploy 4G/LTE Mobile Broadband to Rural US

Swedish telecommunications group Ericsson said Tuesday that it had linked up with the NetAmerica Alliance, LLC, to deliver 4G/LTE mobile broadband services to rural communities across the United States.

The groups said that the building and deployment of a shared LTE network will help independent operators provide broadband communications services to consumers in rural markets rapidly and at lower costs.

Industry analysts have noted that network sharing is becoming an increasingly popular way for operators to cut their overheads, boost efficiency and offer an enhanced consumer experience.

"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," Ericsson North America's Head of Strategy and Market Development, Arun Bhikshesvaran, said.

The deployment of 4G/LTE mobile broadband to rural US communities will give consumers in such regions the same broadband opportunities as consumers in urban environments.

Under the terms of the four-year deal, Ericsson will be the sole supplier for the LTE-based radio access network and the core network, based on the latest Evolved Packet Core (EPC) technology.

The contract also includes IMS, enabling the deployment of tailor-made applications and systems integration services, according to Ericsson.  The Swedish communications group reported revenues of $28.2 billion in 2010. 

Author: Justin Cole, analyst.