Regional wireless operator MetroPCS (PCS) expanded its network infrastructure agreement with Ericsson to now provide microwave backhaul equipment.
The four-year deal calls for Ericsson to be the primary vendor to deploy the equipment to serve MetroPCS LTE network. The equipment will include Ericsson’s Mini-Link TN transmission node; Mini-Link PT all-outdoor product; and Mini-Link SP multi-access aggregation platform.
The Federal Communications Commission last year said it planned to free up 650 megahertz of spectrum for mobile backhaul as part of the agency’s commitment to remove barriers to broadband adoption nationwide.
In a separate announcement, MetroPCS also reported a deal to acquire a nationwide license for Newfield Wireless’ TrueCall network visualization and optimization software for its LTE network. MetroPCS has used the TrueCall solution for its CDMA network as well as for model calibration services.
Newfield claims its TrueCall offering delivers real-time status of LTE sessions to operators, allowing them to measure network and device performance. These services are expected to become more important to LTE operators as customers continue to tax mobile broadband networks. This is especially true for a carrier like MetroPCS, which operates its LTE network with just a sliver of spectrum compared with its larger rivals.
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