Nextlink will deploy Aviat's high-performance microwave, E-Band and multi-band systems to extend connectivity to thousands of unserved and underserved locations across its 12-state footprint. Nextlink has secured over $180 million in BEAD funding, on top of $429.2 million in Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) previously awarded by the FCC, positioning the company for a significant expansion of its fixed wireless and fiber-supported network infrastructure, and recently activated the first wireless tower to be funded by the BEAD program. As part of this initiative, Nextlink has extended and expanded its existing agreement with Aviat to help lower the total cost of ownership across its network.
"Our focus is on bringing fast, reliable internet to communities across the country," said Cameron Kilton, Chief Technology Officer of Nextlink. "The BEAD program represents a historic opportunity to accelerate that mission, and we needed a technology partner with the performance and reliability to match. Aviat's solutions have consistently performed, which means we can move fast and stay on schedule. We're confident this expanded deployment will deliver the connectivity our customers have been waiting for."
"Aviat Networks has established itself as a preferred wireless transport partner for wireless internet service providers (WISPs) pursuing federal broadband funding, and we are proud to continue and deepen our partnership with Nextlink as they execute on their BEAD-funded mission to connect rural America," said Pete Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aviat Networks.