Ericsson says it’s now ready to support 5G services
Created February 20, 2018
Technologies and ProductsEricsson has finalised its 5G-readiness for operators by enhancing its 5G Platform with new radios and updates to its core network software.
The company has launched 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) commercial software, based on the recently approved first 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) standard. It has also introduced a new category of radio product called Street Macro, which addresses the need of operators to grow in cities with limited available radio locations.
Ericsson introduced its 5G Platform in February 2017 with additions made in September the same year. It comprises the 5G core, radio and transport portfolios together with OSS/BSS, network services and security.
5G software
Available in the fourth quarter of 2018, Ericsson’s new 5G radio network core software provides multi-band support for global deployment. It will allow operators to use new frequency spectrum as it becomes available.
According to Ericsson’s economic study of enhanced mobile broadband, the evolution to 5G will enable 10 times lower cost per gigabyte than current 4G.
The new Street Macro radio offering will be placed on building facades, offering a smaller footprint but the necessary strength to secure network efficiency and coverage.
Fredrik Jejdling, executive vice president and head of business area networks at Ericsson, said: “Operators who want to be early with 5G now have the essential pieces for launching 5G networks already this year. With our expanded platform, they will get more efficient networks as well as opportunities to create new revenues from emerging consumer and industrial use cases.”
Giovanni Ferigo, CTO of Italian mobile operator TIM, said: “Ericsson is an important enabler of our 5G in-field innovation activities that span several cities in Italy. Together, last December – marking an Italian record – we activated a 5G NR cell in the mmW frequencies in the city of Turin, reaching speeds above 20Gbps. We look forward to testing Ericsson’s new solutions that will contribute to address the wide variety of use cases we are working on.”
