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Connecting America: the service providers behind the scenes

Connecting America: The Service Providers Behind the Scenes

The year 2020 has been unlike any other as people have had to move from the office to “work-from-home” and kids have moved from the classroom to the “virtual classroom.” Multiple family members are simultaneously communicating via video conference and are also consuming more high-definition video streaming and gaming content – requiring high bandwidth, low latency connectivity. The COVID-19 pandemic has made visible the vital importance of networks in our lives.  

As we enter the new year, I want to shine a spotlight on some of our mobile and broadband service provider customers that have kept Americans in rural and underserved regions connected during these challenging times.

Delivering big speed with Circle Fiber  

Circle Fiber, a new operating unit of Big River Communications in Missouri is committed to continuing to deliver high-quality voice and data services to its mid-West customers. As such, it is launching new fiber broadband services to bring “Fiber to the Home” connectivity that will complement its existing Fixed Wireless Access deployment with LTE.

Nokia is supporting this greenfield fiber network build-out with its GPON and XGS-PON solutions and Wi-Fi beacons. XGS-PON technology enables service providers like Circle Fiber to deliver 10 Gbps symmetrical speeds to consumers and businesses, supporting customer demands for high-speed connectivity day or night.  Circle Fiber is stepping up to the COVID challenge and building a network that will support connectivity needs today and well into the future.  www.circlefiber.com

Expanding U.S. connectivity and spectrum with UScellular

Obtaining spectrum is critical to expanding mobile networks capacity and coverage. Earlier this year, the FCC granted UScellular temporary authority to use additional spectrum to boost connectivity due to the anticipated spike in remote working and learning caused by the pandemic. Nokia worked closely with UScellular to deploy this added spectrum in markets experiencing increased traffic demand and ensure reliable uninterrupted service. The service provider is also using Nokia Endpoint Security solutions to safeguard customers from an increase in COVID-19 malware schemes.

In addition, Nokia is working with UScellular to deploy AirScale mmWave radio products with Cloud RAN to add 5G mmWave capabilities in the 24 GHz and 28 GHz spectrum bands. This enhanced 5G network will meet the demand for capacity and speed today driven by the pandemic, as well as in the future as 5G use cases evolve.

Supporting networks on the coast and in the heartland

I’m proud of the work we’ve done this year partnering with service providers to connect as many Americans as possible with wireless and wired connectivity solutions that allow people to continue to work and learn from home and to continue to connect with their friends, families and communities.  

In Northern California, Cal.net is deploying Nokia’s microwave radios, IP routers and AirScale RAN solution as they invest in a major internet backbone upgrade to bring high-speed broadband to underserved and rural homes and businesses.

In South Dakota and Minnesota, SDN Communications is using Nokia’s Network Services Platform to automate its IP and optical network to pave the way for 5G and gain a deeper understanding of network issues that need to be addressed. This will allow it to improve network robustness and increase overall customer satisfaction.

Nextlink Internet acquired new CBRS spectrum to connect communities in the Central United States to gain access to high-speed broadband and voice services for telehealth, remote learning and work, entertainment, socializing with family and friends, and more. Nextlink’s network using Nokia’s AirScale 4G LTE RAN is 5G-ready.

For the Navajo Nation, Choice NTUA Wireless is building a fixed wireless network using Nokia’s AirScale 4G LTE RAN to bring broadband connectivity to tribal members.

For its nationwide network, Windstream is updating its core IP network with 400G technology and Nokia’s 7750 service router platform to ensure uninterrupted connectivity to its mobile, residential, and business customers and they are delivering rural connectivity enhancements to meet network capacity demands due to COVID-19.

In Mississippi, C Spire launched 5G service in two locations with many more locations planned in 2021, working with Nokia as its primary network vendor. The initial launch is 5G non-standalone mode with the service provider leveraging its extensive LTE network.

Bringing broadband to all Americans – Nokia Summit

In December, Nokia hosted a two-part summit with keynotes from Congressman Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania and Ken Paker, SVP of Information & Network Technologies and CTO, TDS Telecommunications.  The first session focused on the policies and regulatory angles of how to make sure that we have the right measures in place to connect all citizens to the internet.  And the afternoon was a technology session that unpacked the network options and successful implementations to delivering on the goal of bridging the digital divide.  To see these sessions on demand, please visit Nokia Summit.

All of these service providers have worked tirelessly to upgrade and expand their networks to meet residential and enterprise demands for communications services that enable people to work, learn, and play. Nokia is proud to be their trusted partner in keeping America connected into 2021 and beyond.

John Harrington

About John Harrington

John joined the Nokia North American leadership team in 2020 as the SVP US Major Accounts. Previously, John was President and Head of Sales for Nokia G.K Japan supporting NTT, KDDI, SoftBank and Rakuten for the last 3 years. He has a proven track record of exceeding sales targets, negotiating complex deals and delivering results with major Tier 1 service providers. Born in England, John has a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering and now resides in Dallas.

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