UScellular Conducts Live, Interactive Demonstration of 5G FWA Technology

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UScellular conducted a live demonstration of its advanced 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology this week in Iowa. The wireless carrier was joined by technology leaders at Ericsson, Qualcomm and the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) to showcase the power and reliability of 5G FWA technology and how it can connect homes, businesses and educational needs, with the added benefit of mobile connectivity to help support growing precision agricultural needs in rural parts of Iowa.

Attendees, including Iowa state legislators and members of the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Task Force, experienced a 5G FWA technical demonstration and learned how 5G home internet works, the role of radio frequencies, and how UScellular’s unique approach impacts two digital divides – home broadband and mobile coverage. 

Using specially designed rural antennas connected to a nearby cell tower powered with fiber, UScellular network experts conducted video calls with 20+ participants across Iowa and streamed a video to simulate today’s digital lifestyle. Immediately following the demonstration, attendees toured a local cell tower, where they received a rare opportunity to see the inside of the base station and the equipment that makes this high-speed connectivity possible. 

“Estimates show that 106,000 Iowans lack access to essential broadband connectivity, creating a digital divide that affects families and businesses across the state,” said Rebecca Thompson, vice president of government affairs at UScellular. “Along with our partners at Ericsson, Qualcomm, and WIA, we are committed to investing in broadband infrastructure and the latest wireless technology to help deliver reliable, high-speed internet access to underserved Iowa communities now and in the future. It’s what we do best at UScellular – connect people to what matters most.”

“The technology showcased at today’s demo provides reliable and affordable connectivity that can be deployed quickly and efficiently using cell towers,” said Bill Chotiner, vice president and chief technology officer for customer unit regional carriers, Ericsson North America. “Importantly, we have demonstrated that UScellular is prepared to deliver a future-proof solution, easy to refresh as technology evolves, making it an ideal option for rural areas where infrastructure updates can be difficult.”

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