Bell Canada has announced it has picked Sweden’s Ericsson as its 5G network equipment supplier.
According to Bell, Ericsson radio access network (RAN) equipment will be used to build the wireless carrier’s 5G nationwide network, including Wireless Home Internet. Bell already uses Ericsson technology for 4G LTE wireless.
“Bell’s 5G strategy supports our goal to advance how Canadians connect with each other and the world, and Ericsson’s innovative 5G network products and experience on the global stage will be key to our rollout of this game-changing mobile technology across Canada,” said Mirko Bibic, President and CEO of BCE Inc. and Bell Canada, in a statement.
Bell says it is using multiple suppliers for its 5G network, following a similar model it used for 4G LTE.
“We are proud to have earned Bell’s trust to be selected as one of their key partners and significantly expand our existing relationship to accelerate the transformation of their network with 5G mobile and fixed wireless technology,” said Niklas Heuveldop, President and Head of Ericsson North America.
The move to use Ericsson equipment comes as the federal government still ponders a ban on China’s Huawei for 5G. Bell’s rival Rogers is similarly working with Ericsson for its 5G network, while Telus previously said it would debut its 5G network with Huawei.
According to Ericsson, the company has 93 commercial 5G agreements or contracts in place with wireless service providers globally—50 of these are publicly announced 5G deals. The Swedish company has 40 live 5G networks currently in 22 countries.
The federal government is set to auction off 3.5 GHz wireless spectrum for 5G later this year. Next-generation 5G networks will enable faster download speeds and greater reach of signals to small towns and rural areas.
