Sri Lankan mobile market leader Dialog Axiata has announced the successful testing of mmWave 5G network technology – claiming a South Asian ‘first’ – via its wholly-owned subsidiary Dialog Broadband Networks. Dialog achieved 5G download speeds greater than 4Gbps in Non-Standalone (NSA) mode using mmWave frequencies, attaining ‘significantly higher throughputs than current standards’. The operator noted that deployment of mmWave ‘will enhance the fixed broadband performance levels and enable low-latency industry applications including industrial automation, healthcare, intelligent transport systems, and virtual reality.’
Dialog also announced a plan to shut down its 3G network in 2023 to free up spectrum and increase the capacity of its 4G network. A press release stated: ‘This decision comes as part of Dialog Axiata’s ongoing efforts to provide the best possible mobile experience for its customers and is part of its continued efforts to introduce best-in-class, next-gen technologies to Sri Lankan consumers.’ Usage of the 3G network accounts for less than 1% of Dialog’s data traffic, the operator added. The announcement follows the company’s decision in June 2022 to suspend activation of new 3G connections. Dialog will continue to maintain its 2G GSM network to support growing demand for voice services alongside VoLTE calling offered via 4G LTE.
Source: https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2023/01/03/dialog-trials-5g-mmwave-announces-3g-shutdown-plan/