Nex-Tech Wireless’ VoLTE Deal with Ericsson Includes 600 MHz 5G Upgrades

September 12, 2019

With the major carriers rolling out 5G, what is the technology strategies of regional carriers? One regional, Nex-Tech Wireless, a Kansas-based wireless carrier, has signed a deal with Ericsson to modernize its network with voice over LTE technology, including the ability to service specific markets with 5G capabilities.

“This agreement allows Nex-Tech Wireless to deliver outstanding VoLTE service to their customers while preparing their network for the transition to 5G,” said Rob Johnson, head of Customer Unit Regional Carriers for Ericsson North America. “The upgrade to a cloud-based IMS core will bring customers the highest-quality voice and communication services experience today while looking ahead to the future.”

To assist in modernizing its network, Ericsson will provide Nex-Tech Wireless with its Fast VoLTE Launch solution, a full-stack industrialized and validated virtual IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) on Ericsson BSP8100, to enable HD quality voice over LTE (VoLTE), Wi-Fi calling, and future-enriched communication services on a range of devices across LTE, Wi-Fi and future 5G access.

In addition to the upgrades, Nex-Tech Wireless is rolling out 600 Mhz 5G capable sites in specific markets, where Ericsson will provide 3GPP standards-based 5G New Radio (NR) hardware and software capabilities, together with virtual EPC upgrades of the Cloud Core network, so that the carrier can deploy 5G when ready.

Ericsson has collaborated with Nex-Tech Wireless in the past on over 350 LTE sites across the Midwest.