Facebook has announced for MWC more new partnerships in developing network technology. In addition to expanding trials and equipment vendors working on its Terragraph 60 GHz wireless broadband system, the company announced the Magma system to help roll out mobile networks in under-served areas.
Terragraph fixed broadband trials are underway in Canton, Ohio's Innovation District in the US with Agile Networks and Radwin and in Penang, Malaysia with YTL Communications, as well as in Alameda, California with Common Networks to deliver wireless broadband. Common Networks said it already has over 1,000 customers on the mmWave network. Facebook will also soon start a Terragraph pilot in Athens, Greece with Deutsche Telekom's local unit OTE, after earlier collaborating with Telekom in Hungary on the technology.
The Telecom Infra Project, started by Facebook with equipment vendors, also announced that Deutsche Telekom has concluded its RFI for 60 GHz fixed wireless technology. The results will be shared with the TIP community next month. In addition, YTL is looking at TIP-supported mmWave technologies as a possible last-mile solution for its network.
More equipment makers are also supporting Terragraph. MikroTik and Cambium Networks, in addition to Common Networks, are building 60 GHz interoperable products with Terragraph, joining Nokia and Radwin. Terragraph connectivity will be embedded in Cambium Networks' upcoming cnWave 60 GHz multi-node wireless system, designed to bring high-speed gigabit connectivity to urban areas.
Facebook also announced Magma, an open source software platform to help simplify and extend mobile network deployments for operators. Magma includes a distributed mobile packet core supporting local breakout of the data plane, in addition to network automation and management software. Initial Magma launch partners are Telefonica, which is using Magma to help expand rural connectivity in Latin America, and BRCK, which is using Magma to pilot a new LTE network in Kenya.
