Ericsson announced that it is consolidating production of its millimeter‑wave (mmWave) radio products at its manufacturing site in Estonia, ending the line that operated at its 5G smart factory in Lewisville, Texas. The decision, reported by the Economic Times and Light Reading, reflects a slowdown in U.S. carrier demand for mmWave equipment and a move toward operational efficiency.
According to the Economic Times, the Lewisville facility was opened in 2020 to serve U.S. customers, with the first mmWave “street macro” basestations shipped to Verizon. Light Reading added that the shift does not mean Ericsson is abandoning its mmWave portfolio; the company will continue to support customers worldwide with those solutions.
Ericsson’s statement, quoted by Light Reading, said the production move was a “production‑footprint decision” based on customer requirements, demand and efficiency. The company did not disclose specific production volumes or delivery schedules, but emphasized that its global supply chain remains diversified and flexible.
The plant in Lewisville represents a $150 million investment and employs about 500 workers, according to both sources. While the mmWave line is being moved, the facility itself remains operational, preserving those jobs and maintaining the local economic contribution of the site.
Industry analysts note that Verizon, once a strong proponent of mmWave for 5G, has shifted its broader macro deployments to C‑band midband spectrum and is now re‑evaluating mmWave for fixed wireless access (FWA). The carrier’s CEO Dan Schulman cited a potential “technological breakthrough” that could bring 1 Gbps broadband to an additional 10‑15 million premises. Light Reading reported that similar market adjustments have led other mmWave suppliers, such as the UK firm CBNG, to exit the U.S. market.
The move also underscores the lasting impact of policies championed by the Trump administrations, which encouraged domestic manufacturing and imposed tariffs that made U.S. production a business imperative. Ericsson, along with rival Nokia, increased U.S. investment in response to those pressures.
What’s next: Ericsson has not announced any further changes to the Lewisville site. The company says it will continue to support its customers with mmWave solutions and maintain operations at the plant. Local officials and workers will watch for any future announcements regarding the facility’s product mix.
Sources: telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com, lightreading.com
