WOODSTOCK, N.B. — Xplornet Communications says it’s getting ready to deliver rural 5G wireless broadband in summer 2021 and today announced it has selected Ericsson as its technology supplier.
“Xplornet is taking a major step towards delivering the next generation of wireless connectivity in rural Canada,” said Allison Lenehan, president and CEO of Xplornet, in a press release. “Our agreement with Ericsson will provide Xplornet’s robust national network with 5G equipment to revolutionize the rural broadband experience across our country.”
Ericsson is supplying Xplornet with its 5G Ericsson Radio System, an end-to-end, integrated solution which will provide the rural-focused broadband service provider with an improved customer experience and will support the development of new services, while reducing the overall total cost of ownership, says the press release.
“Xplornet is making significant investments in its network capacity to keep pace with customers’ needs today and in the future,” added Lenehan. “Today, we’re moving forward to deliver for those future needs with the deployment of 5G technology. Our rural 5G wireless network will not only benefit customers, but will create jobs, spur innovation and invigorate rural communities across Canada. We’re ready to get to work.”
“Ericsson has a long history of serving our Canadian customers and investing in rural broadband, because we too believe everyone should have equal access to the transformative benefits of the Internet,” said Jeanette Irekvist, head of customer unit Canada for Ericsson North America.
Rogers (a long-time Ericsson customer), Bell and Telus have also opted to use Ericsson gear for their 5G network deployments, with the latter two using Nokia equipment as well. SaskTel signalled in June it was going to follow suit with what Bell and Telus are doing. Videotron has picked Samsung Canada as its 5G technology supplier.
