Australia’s National Broadband Network Co’s (NBN) has signed an exclusive 10-year partnership with Ericsson to deploy 4G and 5G connectivity.

The investment for the purpose of expanding the fixed wireless access (FWA) footprint will result into up to 50 percent growth by the end of 2024.

FWA covers more than 650,000 premises across Australia. Ericsson will supply the next-generation technology critical to 5G-enable many existing towers across the nbn Fixed Wireless network.

The additional capacity and reach of the upgraded network will provide up to 120,000 homes and businesses in nbn’s satellite footprint access to fixed wireless for the first time, Ericsson said.

“Investing in 5G mmWave is a part of our commitment to evolve the nbn Fixed Wireless network for future needs and continually enhance customer experience. We’re committed to maximizing the performance of both our fixed wireless and satellite networks,” Jason Ashton, nbn Executive General Manager for Fixed Wireless and Satellite, said.

“With the extended range innovation showcased in Ericsson’s industry-leading radio access and microwave transport solutions, more Australians will have access to faster fixed wireless broadband in more places,” Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand, said.

Ericsson, which competes with Nokia and Huawei, will become the sole supplier of 4G and 5G radio access and microwave transport solutions. Deployed solutions will include Ericsson’s 4G and 5G antenna-integrated radios across nbn’s current and future spectrum bands, and the latest Massive MIMO solutions.

NBN will also be deploying Ericsson’s 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) solutions, the latest RAN Processor for 4G and 5G, and MINI-LINK microwave transport solutions such as dual carrier solutions in traditional frequency bands, all outdoor E-band, and long-haul.

Ericsson’s extended-range innovation will enable NBN Co to expand its Fixed Wireless network cell range from 14 km to 29 km.

By utilizing the latest 4G and 5G solutions, including 5G in nbn’s mmWave spectrum band, the upgrade program aims to support higher speeds in the fixed wireless network and deliver improved customer experiences. Investment in the new infrastructure will also support a future upgrade from 4G to 5G for nbn’s existing spectrum bands.