According to Samsung, the partnership will help enhance 5G connectivity for Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile customers in Comcast service areas in the US.
The solutions will be available for consumer and business customers using Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) and 600MHz spectrum.
As part of the deal Samsung will provide 5G RAN products, include radios for CBRS and 600MHz, baseband units, and a newly developed 5G CBRS Strand Small Cell, which can be deployed on Comcast’s aerial cable lines.
According to Samsung, the compact and lightweight 5G CBRS Strand Small Cell product will allow cable operators like Comcast to more easily and cost-effectively provide 5G cellular connectivity by leveraging their existing DOCSIS infrastructure without having to build or acquire additional cell sites.
As the demand for reliable internet access inside and outside of the home and office increases, Comcast’s mid-band (CBRS) and low-band (600MHz) spectrum will enable the company to supplement its existing Xfinity WiFi network and cellular network partnership with additional 5G coverage in certain high-traffic areas within its service areas, Samsung 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,” said Tom Nagel, SVP of wireless strategy at Comcast. “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.”
The two companies are conducting field trials of their new 5G network solution and are currently expanding these trials to include Comcast employee testing.