Samsung Electronics will supply millimeter-wave-based 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) devices to US Cellular, one of the top five mobile carriers in the United States. It is noteworthy whether this will secure a significant reference in the $42.5 billion (approximately 61 trillion won) U.S. broadband network construction project.
Samsung Electronics provides a 5G FWA network solution to US Cellular that applies virtualized radio access network (vRAN) technology, expanding services in New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., and Virginia. 5G FWA is drawing attention as a technology that allows long-distance data transmission using the 5G network, potentially replacing fiber optics.
US Cellular operates equipment that integrates base stations, radio devices, and antennas using Samsung Electronics' 5G Compact Macro platform. It offers ultra-high-speed and ultra-low-latency services based on the 28 GHz and 39 GHz bands, securing approximately 140,000 5G FWA subscribers by the third quarter of last year.
Wilf Noltinger, vice president of Samsung Electronics' U.S. branch, noted, "This collaboration is a process of creating new capabilities with vRAN and millimeter-wave technology," and added, "We will expand next-generation wireless technology in cooperation with US Cellular."
Meanwhile, the United States is promoting the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which aims to establish ultra-high-speed broadband networks throughout the country, including rural areas, by 2030. A total of $42.5 billion will be invested, and participation from Chinese corporations and solutions is expected to be limited, creating a favorable environment for Samsung Electronics.
Additionally, Dell'Oro Group forecasts that the 5G FWA equipment market in North America and India will exceed $48 billion over the next five years. With the expansion of the FWA market in countries with large territories, the potential for Samsung Electronics' global network business expansion is increasing.