Samsung Networks, Samsung Electronics' network equipment development arm, has announced that its hardware will be used to enhance Comcast and Xfinity Mobile's 5G networks in the US. The networks will use Samsung's 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) solutions for consumers and businesses that use the mid-band CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) spectrum and the low-band (600MHz) spectrum.
The South Korean firm said that Comcast and Xfinity Mobile would use its CBRS and 600MHz radios, baseband units, and the new CBRS 5G Strand Small Cell. This equipment will be deployed on the carriers' aerial cable lines (strands). Thanks to these lightweight products, operators can offer 5G services using their existing DOCSIS infrastructure, and they wouldn't need to build or acquire additional cell sites.
As consumers are demanding more reliable access to 5G network and services, carriers are expanding their mid-band and low-band 5G networks using Samsung's networking gear. Comcast and Xfinity Mobile offer some of the least expensive 5G plans. Customers can either pay per GB of data ($15 for 1GB), or pay $30 for 3GB and $60 for 10GB. They can even go unlimited by paying $45 for one line or $30 per line for two to four lines.
Tom Nagel, SVP of Wireless Strategy at Comcast, said, “Our capital-light approach to providing enhanced 5G connectivity in service areas where we have a high concentration of traffic and cable infrastructure is smart for our business and even better for customers who will benefit from broader coverage and industry-leading speeds and prices. Partnering with Samsung and leveraging their leadership in 5G network innovation will help us seamlessly deliver more next-generation applications and services to our consumer and business mobile customers.”
