Town of Rumford speeds up deployment of small cell capacity

Smart Cities World

Agreement expedites the path for network operator UScellular to deploy Ericsson Street Radio, a streetlight small cell created in collaboration with Ubicquia.

The Town of Rumford, Maine, has signed a master streetlight attachment agreement with Ubicquia in an effort to enhance network coverage and maximise the potential of its streetlights.   This deal expedites the path for US network operator UScellular to deploy the Ericsson Street Radio, an innovative streetlight small cell created in collaboration with Ubicquia.

Lighting functionality

The Ericsson Street Radio was designed to turn a streetlight into a low- or mid-band 5G site in 15 minutes without affecting the lighting functionality of the streetlight. It boosts 4G and 5G experience with zero footprint. With the master attachment agreement, Rumford removes the lengthy site permitting process, so that UScellular can add network capacity faster and at a lower cost, Ubicquia claims.

“This agreement is good for Rumford. Smart cities are built on connectivity, and by granting streetlight attachment rights, we enable UScellular to strengthen network coverage for our citizens without cluttering the cityscape,” said George O’Keefe, economic development director for the Town of Rumford. “We also generate revenue from existing infrastructure. It is a win-win.”

Mike Irizarry, executive vice president and chief technology officer of UScellular: “Getting site permits can sometimes take 12-18 months, and agreements like this expedite that process and allow us to provide essential connectivity without delay.”

He continued: “We are always looking for innovative ways to enhance our network for customers, and adding radios to streetlights is simple, affordable, and unobtrusive. We look forward to working with Ubicquia and the Town of Rumford, and we hope more cities follow their lead.”

See original article here.