The network update will support 3G, 4G and 5G NSA
Samoan operator Bluesky has selected Ericsson for the modernization of its equipment and services in the American territory of Samoa. The agreement represents the first time that the companies are working together.
Specifically, the network update will include the Ericsson Radio System, an end-to-end modular and scalable radio access network consisting of hardware, software and services, as well as the company’s cloud core solution, cloud unified data management, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solutions and a cloud execution environment to support 3G, 4G and 5G NonStandalone (NSA) connections.
Once the modernization is complete, Bluesky will be set up to offer 5G capabilities to its customers, which is notable given the fact that the region’s Minister of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT), Afamasaga Rico Tupai stated in 2020 that while the region has achieved 100% LTE coverage, it was “not even thinking about 5G.”
“We are not even thinking about it, or even discussing it; it is not even a conversation we are having at the moment,” he said at the time.
However, thanks to this latest agreement, the region’s path to 5G has officially begun as the companies said deployment will kick off this year.
“Our top priority is providing high-speed connectivity for our customers,” said Justin Tuiasosopo, CEO at Bluesky. “We are committed to investing in upgrades that allow us to modernize our offerings and create better user experiences.”
In a press statement, Eric Boudriau, VP and head of the regional carriers customer unit at Ericsson North America, said the Swedish vendor is “thrilled” to partner with Bluesky. “5G will bring fast speed, low latency, and new use cases to consumers and businesses. We’re excited to begin this relationship and look forward to working together,” he continued.
