DISH contracts with four fiber network vendors to support 5G network roll out
DISH (NASDAQ: DISH) has signed fiber access agreements with Everstream, Segra, Uniti, and Zayo in support of its planned 5G services roll out. The service provider will use the fiber to support its 5G fronthaul and backhaul requirements.
The agreements give DISH coast-to-coast fiber network assets and will support its plans to cover approximately 60 million Americans. Everstream operates a fiber network of 15,000 route miles. Segra, created via the combination of Lumos Networks Corp. and Spirit Communications (see “Segra new name for Lumos Networks, Spirit Communications combination”), has 30,000 route miles under its control. Uniti owns 6.7 million fiber strand miles, while Zayo operates a 133,000-mile fiber network in North America and Europe. DISH says it plans to use a cloud-native, Open RAN approach in construction of its 5G network.
“The fiber agreements with Everstream, Segra, Uniti and Zayo are critical to helping DISH build our 5G network more quickly and cost-effectively than legacy deployments,” said Jeff McSchooler, DISH executive vice president of wireless network operations. “Today’s announcement marks an important milestone in DISH’s deployment process, adding to our strong roster of industry-leading tower, radio, software, and now fiber vendors.”
“Everstream is proud to be chosen by DISH as a fiber infrastructure provider throughout our current and expansion markets. We are thrilled that our proven track record of building, installing and maintaining backhaul and fronthaul cellular networks will serve a strategic role as DISH becomes the country’s fourth facilities-based wireless provider,” said Everstream President and CEO Brett Lindsey. “Given our extensive reach, network density, and ability to deliver low-latency, high-capacity connectivity, Everstream is uniquely positioned to serve as the partner of choice for DISH in the Midwest.”
“We are delighted to be a valued network infrastructure partner with DISH in building out its 5G network throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the U.S.,” stated Tim Biltz, Segra’s CEO. “Segra’s extensive fiber network provides the capacity, scalability, and reliability to deliver advanced fiber-based solutions and power DISH’s 5G network for years to come.”
“Uniti Fiber has worked diligently with DISH to develop a partnership which can provide value to both parties,” said Greg Ortyl, Uniti president of strategic accounts. “We look forward to leveraging Uniti Fiber’s existing fiber infrastructure to support DISH’s 5G deployment.”
“Zayo is excited to partner with DISH as they establish the framework for 5G, helping to set the standard for completely seamless wireless networks that will enable the disruptive technologies which will shape our future - including IoT, smart cities, connected vehicles, and more,” added Steve Smith, CEO, Zayo Group. “We are proud to leverage Zayo’s deep, dense metro and long-haul fiber networks to meet the bandwidth demands of 5G and to advance the technological innovations of the future.”
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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