Mediacom Communications Selects Samsung for CBRS Network Rollout in Rural America

Samsung’s CBRS solutions enable Mediacom to extend Fixed Wireless Access broadband service to help bridge the digital divide in the U.S.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today announced it has been selected by Mediacom Communications, one of the largest cable operators in the U.S., for the deployment of Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) wireless network solutions in hard-to-reach rural communities across the U.S. By leveraging Samsung’s wireless network technology, Mediacom will widen the reach of its high-speed Internet service to underserved or remote areas of the country through Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).

“Having access to fast, reliable Internet is essential for the way we live, work and learn today,” said JR Walden, Chief Technology Officer, Mediacom. “By combining Samsung’s broad experience in wireless networks with our commitment to bringing broadband to smaller U.S. markets, we will be able to quickly and efficiently deliver quality broadband services to more consumers in underserved areas. We look forward to working together to deliver high-speed connectivity to those households that have historically not been reached before.”

Bridging the Digital Gap

As the digital divide remains a pressing issue in the U.S., more operators are taking steps to bridge the gap by leveraging CBRS, a mid-band spectrum from 3.5 GHz to 3.7 GHz. For Mediacom, CBRS is well-suited for delivering FWA services in the rural environments it serves. This prompted Mediacom to secure 576 CBRS licenses in the Priority Access License spectrum auction covering 178 counties within its current cable footprint. As a result, Mediacom can more easily reach areas where fiber and wired connectivity may not be economically feasible or possible.

Mediacom provides high-speed data, video and phone service to approximately 1.5 million households and businesses across 22 states. With this agreement, Mediacom will use Samsung’s CBRS 4G and 5G-ready RAN solutions to deploy FWA services and expand the reach of its network. This extends upon successful CBRS trial activities already completed between the two companies. Commercial deployments of Samsung’s equipment are expected to begin this fall, helping Mediacom accelerate delivery of its high-speed Internet services and home automation applications.

“We are proud to collaborate with Mediacom to expand broadband access to more homes across the U.S. using the most advanced wireless technologies,” said Imran Akbar, Vice President, New Business, Networks Business, Samsung Electronics America. “Bringing together our powerful CBRS solutions with Mediacom’s large and growing footprint will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of Americans in rural communities, helping to close the digital divide.”

Samsung Networks has pioneered the successful delivery of 4G and 5G end-to-end solutions including chipsets, radios, and core. Through ongoing research and development, Samsung drives the industry to advance wireless networks with its market-leading product portfolio from fully virtualized RAN and Core to private network solutions and AI-powered automation tools. The company is currently providing network solutions to mobile operators that deliver connectivity to hundreds of millions of users around the world.