Dish Network to Release RFI/RFP for Standalone 5G Network Buildout

By The Editors of AGL

January 23, 2020

As Dish Network prepares to build its virtualized, standalone 5G network, the company plans to release a Request for Information and Request for Proposal (RFI/RFP) for Telecom Transport Services in the coming weeks.

The Telecom Transport Services RFI/RFP, the fifth in a series of RFPs for different elements of the national network, will include requests for telecom transport service companies to facilitate lit and dark fiber connectivity to cell towers, buildings and data centers.

“We’re building a 5G network from the ground up, with the opportunity to apply fresh ideas and new partners,” Dish’s Charlie Ergen said. “We’re seeking input from local and regional telecom transport partners, as well as the national providers that have supported our existing video business for decades. We see an opportunity to learn from nontraditional partners as well, like utilities and municipalities that may be deploying fiber in their communities. We are exploring varying transport infrastructures to support our aggressive buildout.”

Dish has committed to building a standalone 5G broadband network available to at least 70 percent of the U.S. population by June 2023.

The Telecom Transport Services RFI/RFP is the request DISH has issued for its 5G buildout.