Baicells Technologies, a provider of LTE (long-term evolution) and 5G cellular solutions, has partnered with ALEF Edge and Sky Packets, to launch a turnkey private LTE solution package that will provide connectivity to support unserved communities. CommunityConnect is a scalable offering that leverages CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) spectrum and fixed wireless to deliver advanced broadband connectivity under new economics and across multiple environments – supporting both outdoor and indoor use cases.
The digital divide is recognised as a critical barrier that can hold back families and communities all too often. Lacking internet access today hinders economic opportunity, education and job prospects, critical communications, and much more. With multiple government agencies recognising this pervasive challenge today, billions of dollars of funding have been made available to states, cities, and communities to close this divide and bring digital inclusion to more communities.
CommunityConnect, a solution programme for digital equity, helps communities leverage this available funding and identify a clear path to closing the digital divide. Understanding that the myriad of programmes and technology options can be confusing, this programme is intended to offer guidance to deliver an outcome for the community.
The turnkey solution bundle utilises a private fixed wireless network, based on LTE/CBRS cellular services, and affords users access to a broad range of applications, supporting high-speed data access, quality voice calls, video calls and device streaming.
David Weber, senior policy analyst at PHADA – Public Housing Authorities Directors Association, says “Too many communities across the US are falling behind because they lack affordable broadband connectivity. It is critical that we now consider alternative models to change this, such as private fixed wireless. Investing in forward-thinking programs can help citizens get connected cost-effectively – paying major dividends for both tenants and property owners over the long term.”
Using CBRS, the private fixed wireless solution offers performance, favorable economics, and faster time-to-service when compared to legacy alternatives, such as Wi-Fi or fixed broadband.
Minchul Ho, CEO Americas, Baicells, says “No longer is cellular the exclusive domain of major enterprises or wireless operators. Advances in cellular technology have now made the required network elements affordable, compact, and much easier to deploy and operate; while also offering a path to next-generation functionality, like 5G and beyond. Amid significant federal investment, it is critical that underserved communities are supported when navigating the technology solutions available to them, and we are excited to offer this within our bundle for underserved MDU properties and neighborhoods.“
The turnkey solution bundle comprises customer premise equipment (CPE), CBRS radios or wireless Access Points from Baicells, a managed control element from ALEF Edge, and ongoing service operation and support from Sky Packets. This solution is highly tailorable to the individual needs of the community, and additional partners can also be brought in to help deliver components of specific use cases.
To learn more about this program, visit Baicells.
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