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By Brian Ladrido, Program Manager, NET+ Cloud Services
Eight Internet2 members to evaluate Neutral Host Network services for inclusion in the NET+ portfolio
We are excited to announce that Kajeet, a leading provider of wireless solutions, will begin the Internet2 NET+ Service Evaluation process for its Neutral Host Networking (NHN) solution. This marks a significant step forward in expanding the range of flexible, high-performance networking options available to the higher education and research communities through NET+.
Neutral Host Networks (NHN) and Private 5G are considered to be alternatives to traditional cellular and wireless solutions like Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) or 802.11 WiFi. Kajeet’s service offering includes cellular design services for indoor and outdoor LTE and 5G solutions, Evolved Packet Core (EPC) solutions, and Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) gateway services.
The NET+ Service Evaluation process will involve a thorough review of Kajeet’s NHN solution, which is designed to help institutions manage and optimize their network infrastructure in environments with shared spectrum. The service is expected to provide reliable, scalable, and cost-effective networking that supports the unique needs of campuses and research organizations.
About the NHN RFP
Earlier this year, Internet2 conducted a Neutral Host Networking (NHN) Request for Proposal (RFP) as part of its efforts to broaden the ecosystem of networking services available through NET+. The RFP process was a collaborative effort, with a diverse group of higher education institutions, a regional network, and other key stakeholders participating. This broad participation ensured that the RFP reflected the unique requirements and challenges faced by universities, research institutions, and affiliate members across various regions and sizes.
The RFP sought innovative solutions capable of delivering neutral host networks that enable universities and research organizations to deploy, manage, and leverage shared wireless spectrum efficiently. After a detailed evaluation of numerous proposals from vendors in the industry, we are pleased to share that Internet2 has issued an intent to award Kajeet for its NHN solution. This solution stood out for its strong alignment with the needs of the higher education and research sectors, including its focus on flexibility, security, and ease of deployment.
Next Steps in the Evaluation Process
Kajeet’s participation in the NET+ Service Evaluation process signals the beginning of a collaborative effort between Kajeet, Internet2, and the broader higher education community to ensure that the service meets the stringent technical, security, and operational requirements of Internet2 members. One of the distinguishing features of this evaluation is the participation of a geographically diverse set of public and private institutions representing Internet2 higher education members and Internet2 affiliate members. This broad participation helps ensure that the solution meets the unique and varied needs of institutions across different regions and sizes, from large research universities to smaller private colleges. Over the coming months, Kajeet’s NHN solution will undergo a series of technical evaluations, pilot deployments, and community reviews. This process will ensure that the service is fully vetted before being made broadly available through the NET+ Program.
A Growing Ecosystem of NET+ Services
The addition of Kajeet to the NET+ portfolio is part of a broader effort to evolve the range of services available to Internet2 members. With a strong foundation in cloud services, collaboration tools, and security solutions, the NET+ Program continues to expand into new areas, like networking, to meet the dynamic needs of campuses and research institutions.
It’s not too late to join the service evaluation. Just reach out to netplus@internet2.edu to express interest and receive more information about the service evaluation process. Or, let us know if you are interested in learning more about NET+ Kajeet NHN once the services are available.
Stay tuned for updates on the evaluation process and for more announcements about the growing NET+ service ecosystem. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore the variety of solutions available through NET+, designed specifically to support the higher education and research communities.For more on NET+ services and how they can benefit your institution, visit Internet2 NET+.