Page 112 - SAMENA Trends - February 2020

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Optus Switches on Dual-Band 5G Production Network

Australian mobile network operator (MNO) new ways of enhancing our 5G network. average speeds, quicker time to download
Optus has successfully launched what Initial findings from our dual-band testing content and a consistent high definition
it claims is the world’s first 2300MHz have shown that the use of these two video experience. The implementation of a
and 3500MHz spectrum 5G dual- spectrum bands delivered increased 5G dual-band 5G network will enhance these
band production network, doing so in capacity and coverage which if deployed elements to ensure experiences are more
partnership with Ericsson and Samsung. will ultimately benefit our customers … Our reliable, particularly during peak usage
In a press release the cellco confirmed 5G customers are already enjoying higher times.’
that the dual-band network has been
inaugurated in Sydney, with coverage to
be extended to Melbourne ‘in the coming
weeks’. It was noted that the infrastructure
was developed with Ericsson’s 2300MHz
and 3500MHz 5G Radio System equipment
and has been tested using the new
Samsung Galaxy S20 5G handset. With
Optus suggesting the dual-band network
has the potential to increase 5G capacity
and coverage, Kent Wu, Optus Head of
Network Access Planning and Quality,
said of the matter: ‘As we push ahead
with the rollout of our 5G network we are
also continuing to test and implement

Ericsson Advising Ukrainian Government on LTE-A, 5G Development

The Ministry of Digital Transformation group is being set up to work on technical The Ministry of Digital Transformation
of Ukraine has signed a memorandum of expertise in mobile and fixed internet has also recently signed a memorandum
advisory support with Sweden’s Ericsson development and to provide advisory and of cooperation on ‘digital literacy’ with
for development of fixed and mobile 4G information support to the Ministry on Ukraine’s largest mobile operator by
LTE-A and 5G networks, reports UkrInform. the evolution of mobile communications, subscribers Kyivstar.
The Ministry noted that a joint working frequency strategy and licensing policies.

Vodafone Spain Makes Standalone 5G Call; 700MHz Auction Earmarked for

May

Vodafone Spain has announced that it launched Non Standalone (NSA) services 694MHz-790MHz (700MHz) spectrum –
has staged what it claims is the ‘first in 15 cities in June 2019. The network has referred to as the ‘second digital dividend
data call in Europe to a commercial subsequently been extended to Benidorm band’ – is currently utilized for Digital
smartphone using a 5G Standalone (SA) (30 January) and Badajoz (13 February). Terrestrial Television (DTT) services but
network’. The connection was made using In other news, Nadia Calvino, Spain’s will be freed up by March 2020. As per EU
the cellco’s 5G SA pilot network and a Minister of Economic Affairs and Digital policy, the band must be made available for
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G handset, Transformation, has informed congress mobile broadband use by 30 June 2020.
which is scheduled for launch next month. that the country is on target to stage its
TeleGeography notes that Vodafone 700MHz 5G auction in May this year. The

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