Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) and UScellular (NYSE: USM) are collaborating to enhance the mobile network operator’s 5G network capabilities in the Mid-Atlantic region with Samsung’s 5G solutions. The companies say the partnership has enabled the deployment of a new network architecture using Samsung’s 5G millimeter wave radios and a virtualized radio access network (vRAN) solution to support UScellular’s growing fixed wireless access (FWA) service and mobile traffic. At the end of 3Q24, UScellular reported 140,000 FWA subscribers, an increase of 32 percent year-over-year, and nearly 4.5 million retail postpaid and prepaid mobile subscribers across its 21-state operating area.
According to the companies, UScellular launched this new service in several Mid-Atlantic markets in November, delivering improved connectivity to its customers. Although specific markets were not identified, UScellular holds 28 GHz and 39 GHz mmW spectrum licenses in West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. UScellular’s mmW holdings include an average spectrum depth of 425 MHz of 28 GHz and 100 MHz of 39 GHz, according to Inside Towers Intelligence.
In these markets, UScellular is utilizing Samsung’s 5G Compact Macro, a 3GPP-compliant distributed architecture solution, to enable mmW connectivity, providing customers with fast and reliable mobile and broadband services. The Compact Macro integrates the baseband unit, radio, and antenna into a single, lightweight form factor for rapid and easy installation.
Samsung says its mmW technology allows UScellular to utilize its expansive bandwidth to support ultra-high speed and low latency FWA connections. The companies indicate that by leveraging Samsung’s advanced solutions, UScellular could enhance its 5G FWA performance to gigabit speeds.
“Tapping into the ultra-high bandwidth of the [millimeter wave] spectrum allows us to unleash new capabilities and deliver cutting-edge customer experiences,” comments Mike Dienhart, UScellular Vice President of Engineering and Network Operations.
Additionally, Samsung is offering its vRAN solution with Central Unit functionality to support UScellular’s virtualized network. Samsung says its vRAN provides UScellular with additional bandwidth and advanced intelligence capabilities, including energy-saving features, while enabling the MNO to quickly scale capacity and efficiently deploy advanced services.
By John Celentano, Inside Towers Business Editor
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