DISH Wireless has added two more agreements as it puts together the fourth U.S. nationwide facilities-based wireless carrier. An agreement to use Equinix’s International Business Exchange data centers will support its cloud-native, Open RAN-based 5G network. Access to Equinix’s data centers will enable DISH to “secure critical interconnections” for its nationwide 5G network, according to Jeff McSchooler, DISH executive vice president of wireless network operations.
DISH’s network requires a highly-distributed, well-integrated infrastructure, according to McSchooler. “The promise of 5G can’t be met without more data exchange points at the edge to support the proliferation of data and distance limitations inherent in 5G technology,” Equinix said in a white paper. “To scale for 5G, network providers need direct, secure, proximate interconnection points between users and applications to securely host and stream data at significantly higher speeds, higher volumes and lower latencies.”
Equinix provides access to more than 1,800 networks and 2,900 cloud, IT, and system integrator services globally. By connecting directly to strategic partners and end users, DISH will be able to access Equinix’s footprint to help bring 5G to cities nationwide.
“DISH will leverage our extensive ecosystem of network partners and cloud providers to deliver a fast, powerful 5G network to communities across the United States,” said Jon Lin, President of Americas, Equinix.
Cisco Brought on Board
Dish Wireless and Cisco announced a multi-layered agreement this week to enable businesses to use DISH’s 5G network and application infrastructure to support new hybrid work models.
Together with Cisco, DISH plans to design an open and secure “smart 5G network” for use by businesses, according to DISH, which will allow for customized solutions and enable enterprise-driven slices of its network to meet the needs of specific industry verticals.
Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO, Cisco., said, “Together, we look forward to helping businesses across industries transform their networks to support the evolution of hybrid work models, the transition to Network as a Service and the expansion into new markets including IoT.”
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