In Argentina Movistar tests 5G in 28 GHz band
Continuing to work with global operators to test 5G networking technologies, Ericsson is working with Argentinian operator Movistar to understand 5G propagation characteristics in the 28 GHz millimeter wave frequency band.
Based on a test conducted in Buenos Aires, the partners leveraged prototype base station and devices to achieve a peak throughput of 20 Gbps. Technologies tapped for the testing include massive multiple-input, multiple-output, massive beamforming, distributed MIMO, multi-user MIMO and beamtracking, according to Ericsson. The network infrastructure vendor and operator are targeting use cases including enhanced mobile broadband and latency- and throughput-sensitive industrial use cases.
Movistar is a subsidiary of telecom giant Telefónica . Federico Rava, executive president of Telefónica in Argentina, noted the capital city provided “geographical, building, population density, and high radio electric characteristics that enable an efficient test of this technology for the future, which will allow customers and society to live up to connectivity experiences that will open doors to countless possibilities.”
Ericsson and Telefónica’s work on 5G testing is multi-faceted. In neighboring Chile, Telefónica Chile is working with the vendor to virtualize its core network in order to increase time-to-market for new products and services, which tap root into use cases within the realm of 5G and the internet of things (IoT). Under an agreement, Ericsson will launch its network functions virtualization (NFV) solution, such as virtual EPC, virtual IMS, virtual AAA and NFVI, providing Telefonica Chile with more telco applications in a shared environment dubbed “UNICA.”
Last year Telefónica and Ericsson signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of “5G” technologies, products and services. The two companies said they will jointly support ongoing and new initiatives designed to boost the development of next-generation mobile technologies and the entrepreneurial environment in which they can evolve, with specific focus on the 5G PPP and ETP Networld 2020 programs, both promoted by the European Commission within the Horizon 2020 program.
Back in Argentina, Ericsson President of South America Nicolás Brancoli said: “With 5G consumers can enjoy applications such as augmented reality and 4K video streaming, while industries will benefit from innovative Internet of Things applications such as smart transport and remote healthcare, creating significant business opportunities. We expect 5G to be introduced around 2020 globally, and this trial is the first step in Argentina to prepare for the next-generation mobile technology.”
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