According to Ericsson, rural carriers have to invest for today while planning for tomorrow
Rural carriers, while facing some of the same problems as the big guys like limited capex and stagnating ARPU, deal with a unique set of challenges largely based on the geography and customer base served. There’s no one panacea that can address all of rural carriers’ pain points, according to Ericsson VP and GM Amy McCune, but there are solutions.
McCune took part in and won, based on attendee votes, a fast pitch sessions during the Competitive Carrier Association’s recent Mobile Carriers Show. She teased association members from Tier 2 and Tier 3 carriers with “the one solution that can help all of you dramatically increase your revenue. Is there anybody out there that’s a little skeptical that there’s just one solution? You guys have too much coming at you–far too many challenges–for there to be just one path to increase revenue.”
McCune listed off challenges including transitioning to voice-over-LTE, implementing internet of things infrastructure and services, dealing with growing consumer demand for mobile data, making best use of spectrum resources, and making the best use of government funds received by rural carriers to expand broadband into the nooks and crannies of the U.S.
“There is no one silver bullet,” McCune said. “You need a comprehensive solution.” Her’s was one of six fast pitch sessions held during CCA; watch the video below to see all six.
To that point about investing in today and in tomorrow, McCune touted Ericsson’s 5G-ready radio portfolio, as well as the opportunities for more robust fixed wireless access deployed in mid-band spectrum including the 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz frequency ranges. She also highlighted a new network management as a service solution, which Ericsson recently launched with four rural carriers including Chariton Valley. Read more about that here.
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