Nokia, Key Bridge Wireless introduce integrated CBRS offering
Nokia announced a fully integrated CBRS solution aimed at enabling communications service providers (CSPs), multiple-system operators (MSOs) and enterprises to take full advantage of their investment in CBRS spectrum. The new offering complements Nokia’s portfolio of FCC-certified CBRS radio and devices, and adds to its range of industrial-grade 4.9G/LTE and 5G private wireless networking solutions. Designed to accelerate CBRS private wireless deployment, it is the most comprehensive solution in the marketplace for CSPs, MSOs and enterprises to deploy reliable CBRS networks quickly and easily, per its maker.
The solution consists of Key Bridge Wireless FCC-certified Wave 1 SAS/ESC coupled with Nokia CBRS radios, user devices and new Domain Proxy. The Nokia and Key Bridge Wireless partnership, incorporating shared spectrum technical innovations from Nokia Bell Labs, provides the SAS service required to operate in CBRS General Authorized Access (GAA) and Priority Access License (PAL) spectrum.
Stephan Litjens, vice president enterprise solutions for Nokia Cloud & Network Services, said, “Together with Key Bridge, this new offering gives PAL and GAA users a new standard in ease of use. Its unparalleled robustness will extend and accelerate their CBRS plans, and maximize the value of their investment. CBRS presents a huge opportunity for CSPs, MSOs and enterprises for deployment of private wireless networks and to build the platform for new use cases that drive Industry 4.0 implementation.”
The Nokia Domain Proxy’s capabilities are implemented as scalable edge/cloud native micro-services, which aggregate multiple radio links to simplify SAS connectivity in large deployments. Simultaneously, they provide an extra level of CBRS reliability, policy control and security in the most challenging environments.
The integrated Key Bridge Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) in the solution can be selectively densified in areas with high-value industrial sites and enterprises to enable ultra-reliable CBRS spectrum availability information. Combined with distributed, geo-redundant SAS and Domain Proxy, this enables enterprises to operate ultra-reliable radio access networks in CBRS spectrum, especially high-value PAL spectrum, per Nokia.
Jesse Caulfield, CEO of Key Bridge Wireless, said, “Our partnership with Nokia has produced an integrated CBRS solution unlike any other. Our SAS/ESC infrastructure is designed, deployed and operated to ensure carrier-grade reliability at tremendous scale. Through extensive testing, field trials and now active commercial deployments we provide a robust and easy-to-use service for CBRS network operators."
Stefan Pongratz, vice president at Dell’Oro Group, added, “The announcement between Nokia and Key Bridge provides a compelling and timely solution approach for companies who are looking to quickly capitalize on the opportunities CBRS offers. Private wireless activity is on the rise and Nokia is one of the pioneers in this space, with more than 260 private wireless customers to date. This partnership solidifies not only Nokia’s commitment to CBRS but to the broader private wireless opportunity.”
