Range Networks has announced its Radio Access Network (RAN) products can now integrate into existing SS7-MAP networks. That integration may further Range Networks' intentions to add carrier-grade public networks to its list of offerings, and is a likely result of the Range Network and SS7Ware partnership.

That partnership has helped to enable one core network solutions, allowing 4G RAN nodes to integrate with 2G/3G cores. This interaction allows small cell operators to efficiently enter into new markets where current cellular offerings are limited, at a cheap price.

It also lets such networks go toe-to-toe with larger competitors when it comes to making network offerings in rural areas by making greenfield networks easy to deploy.

"Underserved markets in the U.S. and around the world are looking for solutions that provide affordable, reliable and easy-to-deploy cellular network equipment," said David Burgess, CEO of Range Networks and co-inventor of the OpenBTS Project. "We now offer a product suite that enables public carriers to extend their existing networks to rural regions where it was not previously economically feasible."

Burgess told FierceWireless (News - Alert) that Range Networks can build cellular network cores for under $100,000, and that the company is trying to land public cellular networks which connect legacy SS7 networks in both emerging markets in Africa and Central Asia, and in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It's also trying to tap emergency markets that are looking to expand their LTE (News - Alert) networks at an affordable price.

Range Networks practices an open-source ethos, and bases its systems on its OpenBTS software. While customers do have to buy Range Network products and software upgrades when needed, they don't have to purchase annual license fees.

Range Networks offers the rack-mounted 5150 series and the Snap Network, both of which integrate with SS7Ware VLR/MSC (News - Alert) and SS7Ware HLR, which enables roaming and helps to extend existing networks.