Samsung is teaming up with Amdocs for end-to-end private network products utilizing CBRS for 4G and 5G, marking the latest partnership for the South Korean vendor as it works to expand its networks business.
The partnership is targeting U.S. enterprises, across small and medium business to large campus setups, for private network offerings. Fixed wireless access (FWA) use cases were also highlighted, such as using CBRS to connect hard-to-reach areas for higher education and factories.
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In the U.S. spectrum in the shared 3.5 GHz CBRS band became available through priority access licenses (PALs) at auction and for general authorized access (GAA), the latter which doesn’t require a license and means easier access to new spectrum for a wide variety of users.
The collaboration announced Tuesday involves Samsung’s portfolio of private network products, with Amdocs acting as systems integrator using the software and service provider’s 4G, 5G, IT and cloud capabilities.
In addition to its range of software and services, Amdocs is one of the five FCC-authorized Spectrum Access System (SAS) operators for CBRS, which facilitates and coordinates spectrum access among the different tiers of CBRS users.
The pair called out key industries for private networks as targets, such as education, utilities, manufacturing, logistics, transportation and retail. Together, Samsung and Amdocs aim to get to market faster and to simplify deployments of 5G-ready CBRS gear. Samsung said it will enable the shift from 4G to 5G through a simple software update.
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“A thriving partner ecosystem is essential in the next phase of network expansion, as more organizations seek ways to benefit from private networks and advanced communications,” said Imran Akbar, VP and head of New Business Team at Samsung’s Networks Business, in a statement. “Similar to Samsung, Amdocs has deep expertise in customizing applications for companies within industries undergoing rapid digital transformation, such as manufacturing and education, and we look forward to accelerating the next phase of 4G and 5G networks for these markets.”
Samsung introduced the company’s full portfolio of private 5G solutions in October, with RAN equipment that supports Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in the U.S. to match growing interest in using the band for private networks, as well as interest in 4.6-4.9 GHz and 28.3-29.1 GHz in several countries.
Major telecom equipment vendors Ericsson and Nokia are each making their own enterprise pushes, including efforts on private wireless networks.
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On the CBRS front, Samsung in September partnered with t3 Broadband, a company that specializes in network equipment deployments for hard-to-reach areas, to provide 4G and 5G-capable CBRS gear as well as the vendor’s core portfolio in an effort targeting U.S. regional service providers.
In recent months Samsung also inked a collaboration with Ciena to offer the companies’ respective 5G products for transport, radio and core to service providers as a pre-integrated solution.