Dec 18, 2017 23:01 (GMT+0:00)

• Ericsson confirmed as partner of choice to continue to deliver fixed wireless and satellite operational services across regional and rural Australia
• New agreement extends the partnership to 2020
• Agreement includes network operations, end user connections and assurance of the NBN Co’s fixed wireless network and satellite ground systems

NBN Co has announced it will continue its fixed wireless and Sky Muster™ managed services partnership with Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) through to 2020.

Ericsson will continue to be responsible for nbn fixed wireless network operations, ground systems operations for Sky Muster™ – the operator’s satellite service – as well as customer connections and assurance for both technologies.

NBN Co’s fixed wireless and Sky Muster™ services cover more than 980,000 homes in regional and remote Australia with more than 290,000 homes connected to broadband services via NBN Co’s retail service providers.

Emilio Romeo, Managing Director of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand, says:

“As we extend our strategic partnership with NBN Co, we look forward to continuing the delivery of fixed wireless and satellite services to regional and rural Australia. The availability of ubiquitous broadband to homes and businesses across Australia will help to bridge the digital divide and support economic and community growth.

NBN Co is an open-access, wholesale fixed broadband service provider, and was created to implement the Australian Federal Government’s national broadband policy. It is wholly owned by the Commonwealth of Australia as a Government Business Enterprise (GBE).

Ericsson has been NBN Co’s managed services provider since 2011, when it was appointed to build and operate a fixed-wireless broadband network based on TD-LTE technology. In 2014, the partnership was expanded to include operation of the ground component of NBN Co’s long-term satellite solution and end user connections and assurance services.