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Ericsson opens new Center of Excellence training facility in Texas as US focus on 5G increases

5G is becoming a reality at Ericsson’s new Center of Excellence training facility in Lewisville, TX, where field services team members experience best-in-class training and support.

News
Feb 08, 2019
Tower climbers train at the Center of Excellence
Tower climbers train at the Center of Excellence

Ericsson is the largest wireless network equipment vendor in the United States, according to research firm Dell'Oro Group, and the company is making significant investments to accelerate 5G buildouts in the United States. The Center of Excellence is one of those investments.

At the center’s recent opening, Head of Market Area North America (MANA) Niklas Heuveldop and Head of MANA Networks Kevin Zvokel were joined by FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, Congressman Michael Burgess (TX District 26) and Head of Business Area Networks, Fredrik Jejdling for the ribbon cutting of Ericsson's newest and largest Center of Excellence training facility in the United States.

"Our goal to lead in 5G depends on providing quality installation, rollout and other services," Head of Market Area North America (MANA) Niklas Heuveldop said. "To do this, we need to recruit and train the best teams to support customers' ambitious 5G plans. This facility is the heart of those plans."

The Lewisville Center of Excellence, which is just over than 26,000 square feet, will provide best-in-class field services training and support for Ericsson employees and partners. Trainees learn the skills needed to support Ericsson’s customers, as well as to roll out and maintain the systems that will bring 5G to the U.S. and Canada.

"Our focus is to build the best field crews in the business,” said Tim Armstrong, a Center of Excellence lead trainer. “Our training team knows how critical our tower climbers are to the business, and we focus on creating the best program to help them do their jobs efficiently and safely.”

Trainees participate in operator-specific courses taught by industry experts, ranging from site installation to integration, radio base station installation, tower and rooftop installation, microwave alignment, deployment and network integration for 3G, 4G and 5G technologies, and virtual site support.

"It was an honor to have our market and business area leadership, Commissioner Carr and Congressman Burgess visit our facility," Armstrong said. “Our teams are incredibly proud to represent Ericsson in the field. Knowing that leadership cares about our teams makes a big difference.”