AT&T, Ericsson Announce Deal to Deploy C-band Spectrum, Expand 5G

The war of the Gs is well underway. As 5G technology finds its way into networks across the globe, we are inching toward the tipping point of ubiquity. From stadiums and airports, to automobiles and office buildings, 5G is transforming experiences.

AT&T and Ericsson announced a five-year agreement to accelerate the expansion of AT&T 5G, supporting the deployment of AT&T’s newly acquired C-band spectrum and the launch of 5G Standalone.  

Scott Mair, President, AT&T Network Engineering and Operations, explained “As we continue to expand our nationwide 5G network, Ericsson’s technology offerings and 5G expertise will assist with our network evolution. This latest agreement provides the pathway for us to deploy Ericsson’s next-generation centralized RAN architecture, enabled by Fronthaul Gateway, with the ability to support future network enhancements, like the evolution to Cloud RAN.”

In turning to Ericsson, AT&T is leaning on trusted 5G expertise, with the Ericsson Radio System portfolio, which is underpinning much of the transformation. As the network continues to evolve, Ericsson’s Advanced RAN Coordination, Carrier Aggregation technologies and Advanced Antenna System will prove pivotal in deploying Cloud RAN.

 For CSPs, Cloud RAN introduces improved scalability, enhanced flexibility and accelerated service delivery. In a world that’s cloud or bust, cloud-native technologies and open network architecture will be central in the years to come.

Niklas Heuveldop, President and Head of Ericsson North America noted, “This agreement reinforces our long-standing partnership of innovation and execution with AT&T. 5G networks will enable unprecedented, sustainable and exponential growth, accelerating the digital transformation of industries and the public sector, for the benefit of consumers, enterprises and society at large. Ericsson is excited to join forces with AT&T to help make this vision a reality.”

5G is coming, are you ready?