SK Telecom conducts 5G trials in 3.5-GHz

SK Telecom, Samsung and Nokia have jointly conducted a 5G trial demonstration using the 3.5-GHz frequency band.

The operator worked with Samsung to develop a 3.5-GHz 5G end-to-end network comprising a 5G virtualized core, virtualized RAN, distributed baseband and radio unit and test device based on the 3GPP 5G new radio (NR) standards established so far.

The 3GPP has standardized the key physical component technologies of the 5G air interface. The companies’ trial 5G NR system has been developed based on this specification, incorporating innovations including subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz, transmit time interval (TTI) length of 0.25ms to reduce latency and low-density parity-check channel coding.

SK Telecom has also collaborated with Nokia to co-develop 5G base station equipment and test devices for 3.5-GHz spectrum, achieving Gbps level throughput during a field trial near the operator’s Bundang Office Building.

The trial also involve the measurement of link quality depending on the distance between a moving vehicle and base station to generate data to be used in the design of optimal 3.5-GHz 5G networks.

SK Telecom plans to deploy commercial networks using both 28-GHz or another above 6-GHz frequency and the 3.5-GHz band, using the former in highly-concentrated areas and the latter to achieve wide area coverage.

“With the successful demonstration of 5G communications using the 3.5GHz spectrum, SK Telecom has secured all key technologies for building commercial 5G networks using 3.5-GHz and 28-GHz frequency bands,” SK Telecom SVP and head of network R&D Park Jin-hyo said.

“We will maintain our leadership in 5G by enhancing our technologies for both above 6-GHz and below 6-GHz frequencies, while playing an active role in the standardization and commercialization of 5G technologies.”