Ericsson and the NetAmerica Alliance, LLC, announced a technology agreement that will bring 4G/LTE mobile broadband services to people and businesses in smaller markets and rural areas across the United States. By building and deploying a shared nationwide LTE network, NetAmerica will help independent operators bring broadband communications services to consumers in rural markets quickly and at lower costs.

Arun Bhikshesvaran, Head of Strategy and Market Development, Ericsson North America, says: "This is a new type of LTE deployment. NetAmerica is making it possible for smaller operators to join together to deliver cost effectively the same mobile broadband services available in major metropolitan areas. The socioeconomic benefits of broadband services in metropolitan areas are well-proven and, with applications designed for rural consumers, one can only imagine the extent to which the people and businesses in these markets will become more empowered and more productive as a result of this opportunity."

Roger Hutton, Chairman and CEO of NetAmerica, says: "Our requirements and those of our participants demanded more than just a vendor relationship. We needed a partner who could truly work with us and our alliance participants to not only bring 4G wireless to their communities, but to provide true converged services for their wireline business as well. After an extensive evaluation of all the major suppliers, Ericsson proved to be that partner."

According to the terms of the four-year contract, Ericsson will be the sole supplier for the LTE -based radio access network and the core network, based on the latest Evolved Packet Core (EPC) technology. The contract also includes IMS, enabling the deployment of tailor-made applications and systems integration services.