During a summer in which DISH Network continues to make history, it is adding yet another vendor to its already impressive list of vendors that will help take one of the biggest names in satellite television to a household name in 5G wireless communications. VMware has been selected by DISH Wireless to assist in building its 5G standalone network. Since December, rumors linking DISH with a variety of brands as a mysterious partner have run rampant with names such as Apple and Microsoft often heard within whispers. The vendors that have come forth so far into the public view consist of a host of other brands, including Altiostar, Fujitsu, Mavenir, and now, VMware.
DISH and VMware’s endeavors are based upon VMware’s cloud capabilities. DISH’s newest vendor uses a software approach to cloud computing and DISH believes will complement its network well. The goal is to scale the workload that its network will be demanding of the cloud. This will be achieved by creating a cloud that is built with containers and runs on Kubernetes, a computer application that assists with automation, scaling and managing container-based applications.
These capabilities will power many of the other vendors connected in bringing DISH’s network to life and help create a more sustainable 5G experience and buildout. Additional IT support will also be a long-term benefit of VMware’s partnership with DISH. “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,” said Marc Rouanne, DISH’s Executive VP and Chief Network Officer.
Consumers should expect more from DISH as it expands its wireless division. Beyond adding vendors, the company has also added executives with experience such as Dave Mayo, an ex-T-Mobile executive, hiring for Boost Mobile and its 5G network, and, of course, the biggest step being the purchase of Boost Mobile from Sprint earlier this year. When Sprint merged with T-Mobile, the FCC wanted another carrier to keep the market fair for consumers, enter DISH. DISH has spent the better part of 10 years amassing real estate on the spectrum with the goal to enter the wireless market. As one of the stipulations of the deal to enter the wireless market, DISH must cover over 70% of the United States with its 5G network by 2023 or face a multi-billion fine.
As companies look to continue overcoming supply chain issues as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is curious if these obstacles will allow DISH more time under the current circumstances. Nevertheless, the vendors are looking at next year as the target to begin working on the network together. DISH will also look to keep its commitment to building out its 5G network for an estimated total cost of $10 billion, though the financial cost of partnering with VMware has not been released yet.
Source: Fierce Wireless