Xplornet Communications launched its standalone 5G network in rural Canada that will feature fixed wireless access (FWA) services. Xplornet used gear from Ericsson.
The rollout of Canada’s first rural 5G standalone network with FWA will start in New Brunswick and expand across that province during the next six months, according to a press release.
Plans call for Xplornet to expand its 5G network to 250 additional rural communities across Canada over the course of 2022.
“This is a significant milestone for Xplornet and for rural Canadians. Everyone at Xplornet is proud to be making the investments that will bring the benefits of 5G technology into the homes of families who live outside Canada’s big cities,” said Xplornet President and CEO Allison Lenehan in a statement. “Our rural 5G network will directly and immediately benefit customers. It will also help create employment, spur innovation and invigorate rural communities across rural Canada.”
Xplornet last year announced the selection of Ericsson as its 5G technology supplier.
“Ericsson is pleased to be a trusted partner with Xplornet on this journey to deliver 5G capabilities to their robust network and revolutionize the rural broadband experience,” said Jeanette Irekvist, VP and head of Customer Unit Canada for Ericsson North America. “As a global leader in 5G, Ericsson takes great pride in our long history investing in rural broadband because we believe everyone should have equal access to the transformative experiences of the Internet.”
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Xplornet said its 5G announcement builds on its ongoing private investment in fiber and wireless technology for broadband services in rural Canada.