Cisco, T-Mobile team to offer managed 5G service

Cisco and T-Mobile have teamed to offer a managed 5G-based connectivity service for remote branches and small offices.

The T-Mobile-managed package, called Connected Workplace, will make use of Cisco Meraki 5G cellular gateways as well as its network and visibility management platform. The Meraki software includes cloud-managed security features and a central Meraki dashboard for network management support. Together with T-Mobile’s unlimited nationwide business internet service, the offering will allow organizations to network everything from end users and IoT devices to point-of-sale systems and video installations.

Connected Workplace is aimed at simplifying the process of deploying a functional network infrastructure and reducing the typical hassles customers have to deal with, such as coordinating multiple regional ISPs, mismatched hardware and management software, multiple contracts, varied rate plans, and disparate support models. “This complexity doesn’t just cause headaches — it’s a needless drain on IT and often results in limited scalability and compromised security,” T-Mobile stated.

With the package T-Mobile offers:

• Network design and onsite installation.
• 5G gateway and Wi-Fi access point device upgrades and software license renewals.
• 24×7 proactive network and connected device performance monitoring as well as onsite equipment repair or replacement.
• Same-day configuration changes.

The new managed service is a continuation of a partnership Cisco and T-Mobile have had for years. In 2022, for example, the vendors launched a Cisco-developed 4G/5G core gateway that is the backbone for T-Mobile’s 5G service offerings. Most recently the companies have jointly offered fixed wireless services utilizing Meraki devices.

Connected Workplace is available now.