Dish Network announced it will release a Request for Information and Request for Proposal (RFI/RFP) for rolling out standalone 5G network in the coming weeks.
Telecom equipment vendors interested in receiving the Telecom Transport Services RFP can contact DISH Wireless at 5GtransportRFP@dish.com prior to January 30, 2020.
The Telecom Transport Services RFI/RFP, the fifth in a series of RFPs for different elements of the national network, will include requests for telecom transport service companies to facilitate lit and dark fiber connectivity to cell towers, buildings and data centers.
“We’re building a 5G network from the ground up, with the opportunity to apply fresh ideas and new partners. We’re seeking input from local and regional telecom transport partners, as well as the national providers that have supported our existing video business,” Jeff McSchooler, DISH Executive Vice President of Wireless Operations, said.
“We see an opportunity to learn from non-traditional partners as well, like utilities and municipalities that may be deploying fiber in their communities. We are exploring varying transport infrastructures to support our aggressive build-out,” Jeff McSchooler said.
DISH will be building a standalone 5G broadband network available to at least 70 percent of the U.S. population by June 2023.
The Telecom Transport Services RFI/RFP is the fifth such document DISH has issued as it pursues its 5G buildout.
The RFPs issued to date include:
July 2019: 5G Network RFI/RFP seeking input for the network elements
September 2019: System RFP seeking responses from vendors to provide a software solution for project management, workflows, reporting and other utilities that aid in deploying the national network
October 2019: Deployment Services RFP seeking input for end-to-end deployment services including pre-construction and construction services
January 2020: 5G Component RFP seeking input from vendors regarding physical assets of the network such as mounts, cabinets and hybrid cables
January 2020: Telecom Transport Services RFI/RFP
DISH Network recently named Marc Rouanne as chief network officer and Stephen Bye as chief commercial officer — reporting to DISH co-founder and chairman Charlie Ergen.
DISH Network reported revenue of $3.17 billion for the quarter ending September 30, 2019, compared to $3.40 billion for the corresponding period in 2018.
The company closed the third quarter with 12.18 million total Pay-TV subscribers, including 9.49 million DISH TV subscribers and 2.69 million Sling TV subscribers. Pay-TV subscribers rose approximately 148,000 subscribers in the third quarter, compared to a decline of approximately 341,000 in the third quarter 2018.
