Page 84 - SAMENA Trends - June-August 2021

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Verizon, Samsung Complete Fully Virtualized 5G Data Session Using C-Band

Spectrum

Verizon Wireless and Samsung Electronics Temporary Authority (STA) permits based equipment’. Going forward, Verizon
have completed an end-to-end fully granted by the Federal Communications says it expects to start using its C-band
virtualized 5G data session over C-band Commission (FCC). In terms of technology, spectrum in the first quarter of 2022, with
(3.7GHz-3.98GHz) spectrum in a live the tests used Samsung’s fully virtualized the new 5G network initially going live in
network environment. The new milestone RAN (vRAN) solution built on its own 46 markets and serving around 100 million
was reached as Verizon prepares for its software stack and C-band 64T64R people. By 2023, coverage is expected to
upcoming C-band ‘5G Ultra Wideband’ Massive MIMO radio, in coordination increase to more than 175 million people,
expansion. The trials were conducted over with Verizon’s virtualized core. Verizon ultimately rising to 250 million people
Verizon’s network in Texas, Connecticut notes that the trials ‘achieved speeds by 2024, when the remaining C-band
and Massachusetts using C-band Special commensurate with traditional hardware- spectrum is cleared.

Intel to Manufacture Qualcomm Chips

Qualcomm became one of the first two the Qualcomm deal, Gelsinger announced
customers for Intel’s foundry business, as Amazon Web Services had signed-up
the latter’s CEO Pat Gelsinger pledged to with IFS for its packaging systems. The
aggressively add manufacturing capacity agreements are the first unveiled since the
to support further deals. The tie-up was launch of IFS in March, as part of Intel’s
announced at an Intel company update IDM2.0 strategy. Intel initially announced
covering its latest technology and product it would spend $20 billion on facilities in
roadmap to 2025. Although revealing the US in an attempt to take advantage of
Qualcomm as one of its first Intel Foundry growing demand for chip manufacturing
Services (IFS) customers, it offered limited capacity. It comes as authorities in
details on the specifics of the deal and the country are keen to widen supply
did not include timescales or volumes. chain options outside of Asia. Gelsinger
Gelsinger stated “IFS is off to the races”. reiterated plans to announce new a more balanced, sustainable and secure
“Both Intel and Qualcomm believe strongly manufacturing sites in Europe and the US supply chain.” He added interest from
in the advanced development of mobile by the end of the year: “These will be large potential customers in IFS had been strong
computer platforms and ushering in a investments which will support mega fabs with 100 leads in the pipeline across a
new era in semiconductors.” Alongside and is how we will help the world get to range of industries.

Industry Trio Hail 5G Latency, Battery Milestone

Ericsson, Telia and Qualcomm teamed to cases, including critical control of remote three-times. Putting this into real world
test new standalone (SA) 5G capabilities devices, enhanced mobile broadband use cases, the shortened lag will have “a
on the operator’s network, designed to and smart transport. To implement RRC big impact” in experience for applications
significantly reduce latency and battery Inactive, Ericsson used its software and including cloud and VR gaming. The
consumption for smartphone and SA 5G nodes with a test device powered by feature enabled battery savings of up to
enterprise users. The trio have joined the Snapdragon X60 Modem-RF system. 30 per cent when activating RRC Inactive,
forces to develop inactive state of Radio The companies explained they were able with screen and associated electronics the
Resource Control (RRC Inactive), a feature to demonstrate successful transition biggest battery drainers in a mobile device.
they stated reduces the amount of between “a connected state and inactive Jenny Lindqvist, head of Ericsson northern
signaling required during state transitions, state”, without the device falling back and central Europe, said the milestone was
which has the knock-on effect of lowering to idle. Transitioning to a new inactive “taking 5G technology to the next level, and
both latency and battery consumption. state reduces the amount of signaling RRC will continue to play a critical role for
These, they believe, are crucial required during state transition, which 5G networks for years to come”.
requirements for many IoT and 5G use lowered latency for the end user by up to

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