The ambitions of DISH Network to enter the world of wireless has been well documented. This summer the satellite television experts have made many great strides towards completing an elite 5G network in America; its newest partnership with VMware is the latest notable step towards achieving these goals.
VMware is being brought in by DISH to assist in automating, scaling, and managing cloud-based operations that will help scale its network’s function and costs. This will help consumers when it is available to receive a more streamlined experience. It will also assist DISH and its other vendors by empowering them to build DISH’s 5G network affordably.
Many in and outside of the industry have been linking DISH to a variety of brands as a partner since last winter when it was revealed that they were working with one, though it was never revealed who. Names like Amazon were mentioned, but so far, innovative partners such as Altiostar, Fujitsu, and Mavenir have emerged as confirmed partnerships. VMware is the latest to be added to the list as its cloud technology will look to bolster the other partnerships already in play.
One of the key elements that made VMware so attractive to DISH was the fact that its cloud uses a container-based model that is powered by Kubernetes. Originally from Google, this open-source computer application allows automation, scaling, and managing of container-based apps which aligns perfectly with DISH’s wireless goals. The software approach is creating a unique environment for DISH and its partners as it completes its 5G buildout, but the partnership’s benefits don’t end there. DISH will be experiencing a host of IT support from VMware that will bolster benefits throughout the entire company. Marc Rouanne, the Executive VP and Chief Network Officer of DISH spoke on the matter saying, “By bringing together innovations such as the distributed cloud, edge computing, and network slicing, this software will help us provide our customers with customizable, secure solutions that will be more cost-effective than legacy, vertically-integrated, hardware-reliant alternatives.”
The company continues to expand its wireless division as it has all summer. From the notable acquisition of Boost Mobile to the hiring of various executives with wireless experience to its hiring spree for both Boost and its 5G endeavors, and more, DISH is taking its opportunity wholeheartedly to bring Americans a premier 5G network. These efforts are important as DISH will face a fine of over $2 billion if 70% of the U.S. is not covered with its 5G network by June 2023 as part of its terms to become the fourth wireless carrier after T-Mobile and Sprint officially merged. VMware’s partnership will look to also provide cost-cutting processes as the newest wireless giant looks to maintain its commitment to spending $10 billion on the creation of its 5G network, a number scrutinized by many within the industry. The cost of its partnership with VMware is unknown.
Source: Fierce Wireless
