GovNET selects Ceragon Networks for high-capacity microwave backhaul in Arizona

Ceragon Networks recently announced delivery of FibeAir IP-20 wireless-backhaul equipment to GovNET, a private telecommunications firm that is building a statewide microwave and fiber network in Arizona to serve the critical-communications needs of hospitals, schools, governments and emergency-service organizations.

GovNET is building the State of Arizona-Counties Communications Network (SACCNet), which is expected to provide “critical Middle Mile infrastructure across the state” via microwave and fiber, according to GovNET’s application to the National Telecommunication and Information  Administration (NTIA). NTIA is administering the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) that is providing $39 million in federal grants for the $52 million GovNET initiative.

The value of the Ceragon Networks component of the project is $4.6 million, according to a company press release.

GovNET is using Ceragon gear that operates in 6 GHz and 11 GHz spectrum for backhaul microwave links, as well as equipment operating in the 18 GHz and 23 GHz bands for access, according to Chuck Meyo, Ceragon Networks’ president of North America.

Ceragon Networks is best known for its work supporting large commercial carriers, but the company also wants to build its reputation on in the critical-communications arena, Meyo said.

“For the most part, we have a very high percentage of the Tier 1 carriers worldwide,” Meyo said during an interview with IWCE’s Urgent Communications. “This is the same product that we’re using there, but we’ve found that it is a very nice fit for public safety, as well as state and local government.

“It’s very important for Ceragon to be seen as one of the leaders in this market, because it’s going to be a very big North American initiative. It proves to the marketplace that we have expertise and past performance in this market. So, for us, it’s a really nice thing as we start to lead up to FirstNet.”

Meyo applauded the approach being used by GovNET CEO Pat Barringer.

“Pat Barringer is an innovator in this market; he’s a very sophisticated microwave user,” he said. “One of the great things has been working closely with him while he’s been very focused on these critical public-safety and federal-government networks and traffic that he’s going to carry.”

Barringer said the Ceragon Networks’ offerings provide GovNET with the connectivity needed in Arizona.

“In order to span the large area of 88,000 square miles across Arizona and to deliver high-speed communications to underserved areas affordably, we opted for a high-capacity and rapidly deployable wireless network, for our access and backbone networks,” Barringer said in a prepared statement. “Ceragon Networks’ FibeAir IP-20 platform, using 2048 QAM, allowed us to meet all of our performance requirements, using a single platform, with up to 99.999% reliability and high security, perfectly suited for mission-critical and public-safety applications.”