Most people likely know Samsung for its mobile devices, which now include a wide range of 5G-enabled products. But the company plays in another part of the 5G galaxy as well – the network. Mobile operators turn to Samsung’s network solutions to connect hundreds of millions of users worldwide. The company delivers 5G end-to-end solutions that include chipsets, radios and core and continues to push to advance 5G networks with its product portfolio from RAN and core to private network solutions and AI-powered automation tools.
Now, Samsung will deliver 5G RAN solutions to enhance 5G connectivity for Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile customers in Comcast service areas. Samsung will supply 5G RAN solutions for Comcast’s efforts to deliver 5G access to consumer and business customers in the U.S. using Citizens Broadband Radio Service, or CBRS, and 600MHz spectrum.
“With this partnership, Samsung continues to build on its wireless technology leadership in commercial 5G rollouts," said Mark Louison, executive vice president and head of networks business, Samsung Electronics America.
Samsung 5G RAN products that will be provided include radios for CBRS and 600MHz, baseband units and a new 5G CBRS Strand Small Cell that can be deployed on Comcast’s aerial cable lines. Samsung’s 5G CBRS Strand Small Cell will support the cable and broadband industry’s mobile service strategies. Designed to be installed on outdoor aerial cables, this compact solution integrates baseband, radio and antenna into a single form factor and will support two sectors to deliver high capacity across a wide wireless coverage area.
The solution will also have integrated DOCSIS 3.1 modem for backhaul and is also DOCSIS 4.0 ready. Additionally, the small cell product will support wide bandwidth of up to 80MHz across the CBRS spectrum and will provide dynamic configuration capabilities to meet operators’ specific power consumption requirements.
“Our capital-light approach to providing enhanced 5G connectivity in service areas where we have a high concentration of traffic and cable infrastructure is smart for our business and even better for customers who will benefit from broader coverage and industry-leading speeds and prices,” said Tom Nagel, senior vice president of wireless strategy at Comcast.
This partnership comes at a time when the demand for reliable internet access inside and outside of the home and office rapidly increases. Comcast’s mid-band and low-band spectrum enable the company to supplement its existing Xfinity Wi-Fi network and cellular network partnership with additional 5G coverage in certain high-traffic areas within its service areas.
“Partnering with Samsung and leveraging their leadership in 5G network innovation will help us seamlessly deliver more next-generation applications and services to our consumer and business mobile customers,” said Nagel.
Comcast and Samsung will conduct field trials of their new 5G network solution and will expand these trials to include Comcast employee testing.
Edited by
Erik Linask
