RINA Wireless selects Ericsson to bring 5G to rural America

The Rural Independent Network Alliance (RINA Wireless), a cooperative, peer-to-peer association of independent Communication Service Providers (CSPs), announced it has expanded its partnership with Ericsson to bring Ericsson Cloud Packet Core for 5G to their network.

Under the agreement, Ericsson will evolve RINA Wireless’ core network for existing services and introduce 5G networks quickly and effectively to its infrastructure. The capabilities will be in addition to their existing 4G Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and Radio Access Network (RAN) infrastructure, already delivered by Ericsson.

Dennie Mecham, Chief Operations Officer for RINA Wireless, says: “RINA Wireless provides quality network switching, hosting services and the latest technology to our members in a prompt and complete manner. With the advancement of 5G in the marketplace, RINA has decided to be a leader in technology by continuing our partnership with Ericsson and introducing 5G EPC to our network.”

The partnership also advances RINA Wireless’s competitive capabilities, bringing 5G to end users as early as 5G devices are commercially available and ensuring customers in rural areas supported by RINA Wireless get access to the latest technology innovations. 

Rob Johnson, Head of Customer Unit Regional Carriers for Ericsson North America, says: “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with RINA Wireless to deliver best-in-class network technology to its customers, and further advance the availability of 5G connectivity to end users in rural communities. Now RINA Wireless end users in states like Utah, Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and Oregon will have access to 5G as soon as they pick up a 5G device.”