Regional carrier US carrier UScellular has picked Ericsson to support its 5G network infrastructure upgrade in rural areas.

The carrier has leveraged Ericsson's Router 6000 portfolio, including model 6671, to bolster its 5G transport infrastructure.

“This collaboration is about more than just connectivity – it’s about empowering communities while boosting local economies and enabling modern digital services,” said Narothum Saxena, vice president of technology, strategy, and architecture at UScellular.

“From supporting Fixed Wireless Access solutions and enhancing mobility to improving access to essential services like online education and healthcare, together with Ericsson we are committed to transforming rural America’s digital landscape.”

Ericsson noted that its cell-site router technology can provide the "necessary transport infrastructure for efficient utilization of mid-band spectrum for radio access network (RAN) deployment," which both companies began last year.

The routers are designed with deployments in rural locations in mind, said Ericsson, stating that they can provide secure backhaul, site deployment flexibility, optimized port speeds and density for traffic aggregation, and advanced synchronization for superior RAN performance.

UScellular is one of the biggest regional cell carriers outside the big three: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. It serves four million mobiles across 21 US states, in mostly rural areas.

In May, T-Mobile agreed to acquire around 30 percent of UScellular's wireless spectrum for around $4.4 billion. UScellular will retain 70 percent of its wireless spectrum and towers, leasing space on other towers to T-Mobile.

However, the deal has been criticized by six US Senators, who have argued that it will stifle competition.