Singtel and Ericsson achieve Southeast Asia fastest download speeds on 5G SA NR-DC
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Singtel and Ericsson have made a technology breakthrough in 5G standalone (SA) New Radio-Dual Connectivity (NR-DC), becoming the first in Southeast Asia to reach download speeds of 5.4Gbps by aggregating Singtel’s spectrum holdings across mid-band spectrum 3.5GHz and 28GHz mmWave. This milestone was achieved in a demo with Ericsson’s 5G radio access network products and solutions and dual-mode 5G Core network solutions, as well as a test device from Qualcomm Technologies powered by its Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System.
5G SA NR-DC technology, which combines mid-band and mmWave frequencies, further enhances Singtel’s 5G SA speed and capacity to enable high-performance and latency-sensitive applications, and stimulate innovative new use cases across business, industry and consumer ecosystems. Applications can range from cloud gaming, immersive media, AR, VR, XR to autonomous vehicles or robotic control. This new development will push the boundaries of 5G technology, combining different frequency bands across the networks, to fully utilise Singtel’s 5G assets for an enhanced user experience.
Mark Chong, Singtel’s group chief technology officer, said, “This 5G breakthrough demonstrates our commitment to continually innovate and maximise the potential of what this developing technology can deliver. The increased speeds will help pave the way for many new applications as we look to drive transformative benefits for consumers and businesses.”
As one of the first 5G SA networks deployed globally, the future implementation of 5G SA dual connectivity in Singapore will help accelerate the adoption of 5G for both consumers and enterprises, create new business opportunities, strengthen the local 5G ecosystem, as well as drive the future-readiness of Singtel’s network. This achievement closely follows the latest win at the Asia Communications Award, where Singtel and Ericsson were jointly recognised for 5G deployment in Singapore.
“As 5G frontrunners, we strive to expand the potential of limitless connectivity, and further enhance digital transformation to benefit industries, consumers and societies.””
Martin Wiktorin, head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei and Philippines, said, “At Ericsson, we have already deployed over 100 live 5G networks worldwide, building a strategy around multi-layer networks from low, mid-band to high-band 5G. In Singapore, we are constantly driving technology innovations together with Singtel. As 5G frontrunners, we strive to expand the potential of limitless connectivity, and further enhance digital transformation to benefit industries, consumers and societies.”
his new 5G technology breakthrough builds on the strong collaboration between Ericsson and Singtel over the past 30 years as technology front runners in Singapore. Past milestones include achieving Singapore’s fastest 5G speeds of 3.2Gbps at Singtel’s unmanned pop-up retail store UNBOXED as well as Singtel’s GENIE, the world’s first portable 5G-in-a-box platform powered by Ericsson to enable enterprises to experience 5G’s capabilities and trial use cases in their own premises.
Questions & Answers
Q.What technology did Singtel and Ericsson use to achieve the record download speeds?
What technology did Singtel and Ericsson use to achieve the record download speeds?
They used 5G standalone New Radio-Dual Connectivity (NR-DC) technology. This combines mid-band and mmWave frequencies, allowing for the aggregation of Singtel’s spectrum holdings across 3.5GHz and 28GHz mmWave.
Q.Which companies provided the equipment and components for this technology breakthrough?
Which companies provided the equipment and components for this technology breakthrough?
Ericsson supplied its 5G radio access network products and solutions, along with its dual-mode 5G Core network solutions. A test device from Qualcomm Technologies, powered by its Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System, was also used.
Q.What are some of the potential applications this enhanced 5G speed and capacity could support?
What are some of the potential applications this enhanced 5G speed and capacity could support?
The increased speeds can enable high-performance and latency-sensitive applications. These include cloud gaming, immersive media, AR, VR, XR, autonomous vehicles, or robotic control across various ecosystems.
Q.How will this development impact Singapore's 5G landscape in the future?
How will this development impact Singapore's 5G landscape in the future?
The future implementation of 5G SA dual connectivity will accelerate 5G adoption for consumers and enterprises. It will also create new business opportunities, strengthen the local 5G ecosystem, and enhance Singtel’s network.
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