Nextlink Internet announced the results of 6 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum testing, clearing the way for more gigabit fixed wireless deployments nationwide. The industry is anxiously awaiting the availability of the 6 GHz spectrum, and Nextlink took the initiative to field test fixed wireless technology. Utilizing an FCC experimental license, Cambium Networks fixed wireless access points, and subscriber modules utilizing Qualcomm® Networking Pro Series Platforms, Nextlink achieved actual throughput of over 1 Gbps download and 500 Mbps upload to each subscriber module under full load, utilizing a 160 MHz channel at 2 miles.
“We are on a mission to provide high-quality internet access everywhere we serve. This gives us another tool in the toolkit to do just that,” said Bill Baker, Founder and CEO of Nextlink Internet. “Upon full commercial deployment later this year, we look forward to rolling out gigabit speed plans in the entirety of our existing fixed wireless service network plus our prospective network expansion for the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) program. Ultimately, this expansion of gigabit fixed wireless will cover over four million households and businesses.”
“The new 6 GHz spectrum offers broadband service providers a significant opportunity to improve performance,” said Atul Bhatnagar, president and CEO of Cambium Networks. “Cambium Networks’ wireless fabric portfolio of solutions enable broadband service providers to rapidly serve new markets while maximizing customer satisfaction and minimizing total cost of ownership (TCO).”
“We’re excited that the tests bore out exactly what we expected: that we can provide fully-loaded speeds at distance utilizing the new 6 GHz band,” said Cameron Kilton, Chief Technology Officer for Nextlink Internet. “We also identified inefficiencies in testing scenarios and expect commercial deployment throughput to exceed testing throughput.”
“The promise of 6 GHz enabling Gigabit speeds over wireless is real – and wireless enables Nextlink to roll out gigabit speeds faster that we can with fiber. We thank the FCC for enabling these innovations by allocating the 6 GHz band for hybrid licensed-unlicensed use. We eagerly await the FCC’s approval of the automated frequency coordination so that we can begin deploying this across our footprint,” said Claude Aiken, Chief Strategy Officer for Nextlink Internet. “Smart spectrum policy multiplies other governmental efforts to close the digital divide.”
“This field work is another proof point that gigabit services over wireless is a reality,” said Ganesh Swaminathan, vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We are glad to see innovative technology leaders like Nextlink and Cambium Networks at the forefront of delivering these services over wireless.”