Comcast has chosen another key wireless network vendor. The company selected Nokia’s 5G standalone core networking software, including packet core, to support the Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile networks nationwide. Nokia also will provide consulting services.
The company previously announced that it would use Samsung radio access network equipment.
“These efforts provide us with the ability to provide 5G coverage in dense, high-traffic areas of the markets we serve today,” said a Comcast spokesperson in an email to Telecompetitor.
Nokia equipment offers “near zero touch automation” and low latency, according to a press release issued jointly by Comcast and Nokia. The equipment will operate in the CBRS band and in the 600 MHz band.
The companies are conducting field trials, which include Comcast employees.
“We are pleased to be working with Nokia to enable Comcast’s advanced 5G mobile products and services for our customers, Tom Nagel, Comcast’s Senior Vice President, Wireless Strategy, said in the press release about the Comcast wireless vendor selection. “Combining Nokia’s industry-leading solutions with Comcast’s targeted network design and new dual SIM technology allows us to create exciting next-generation wireless offerings.”
The intention to use Samsung radio access network was announced last September. At the time, Nagel said that the company had CBRS and 600 MHz spectrum covering 80% of its cable and broadband service area. That footprint covers half of the U.S. population.
Nagel said that Comcast had no intention of building out a nationwide network. Instead, the plan was to selectively deploy infrastructure in dense and high traffic areas. The company relies on its Wi-Fi infrastructure and on wholesale agreements with wireless network operators, known as MVNO agreements, for nationwide connectivity.
Ookla said last September that Xfinity Mobile had the fastest service in Comcast service areas. Comcast said that more than 80% of customers’ data usage occurred over Wi-Fi. Combining Wi-Fi and cellular enabled Xfinity to provide median download speeds in the 200 Mbps range.
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