Appalachian Wireless and Ericsson Partner to Bring 5G to Rural Kentucky

Ericsson has announced a multi-year partnership with Appalachian Wireless to bring 5G technologies to underserved communities in Appalachia. The multi-year Radio Access Network (RAN) modernisation project, set to take place over the next three years, will expand 5G capacity and coverage in the region and replace ageing RAN equipment with Ericsson Radio System solutions. Headquartered in Ivel KY, Appalachian Wireless operates an advanced 4G cellular telephone and data network.

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Improving Connectivity

The official release noted that the partnership will improve connectivity and represents a step forward in technological advancement for the mountainous region, where Appalachian Wireless is the sole network provider for many households and businesses.

Ericsson said the project will offer transformative 5G services to hundreds of communities in eastern Kentucky and bridge the rural digital divide. Ericsson will provide its Ericsson Radio System and energy efficiency software as part of the project. The majority of modernisation efforts will take place in 2023 and 2024. Ericsson will upgrade cell sites with new radios and RAN equipment, with the majority of the work completed in 2024.

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First Regional Carrier to Implement 5G SA

Appalachian Wireless aims to be the first regional carrier to implement 5G standalone (SA) to bridge the digital divide in rural America. The project is expected to offer transformative 5G services to hundreds of communities in eastern Kentucky.