SoftBank, Ericsson to trial 5G in 4.5-GHz
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Japan’s SoftBank plans to work with Ericsson to conduct a joint trial of 5G in the 4.5-GHz band in dense urban areas of Japan.
The end-to-end trial will involve two 5G new radios, a virtual RAN and EPC, beamforming, Massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) functionality and test support services.
The trial is set to commence once Softbank obtains an experimental 5G license, Ericsson said.
In March, SoftBank and Ericsson also teamed up for a 5G trial in the 28-GHz millimeter wave band, which followed more basic tests in the 4.5-GHz and 15-GHz bands in Tokyo in 2016.
SoftBank aims to be one of the first operators to deploy 5G services once the standardization process is complete and seeks to position itself as a pioneer of 5G.
The operator also recently announced plans to deploy Ericsson’s Radio Dot system across Japan to improve indoor coverage in high-density urban areas. Softbank has been testing the technology since 2015.
Questions & Answers
Q.What technology will the planned 5G trial in Japan involve?
What technology will the planned 5G trial in Japan involve?
The trial will involve two 5G new radios, a virtual RAN and EPC, beamforming, Massive MIMO functionality and test support services. It is an end-to-end trial.
Q.What is preventing the immediate start of the 4.5-GHz 5G trial?
What is preventing the immediate start of the 4.5-GHz 5G trial?
The trial is set to commence once SoftBank obtains an experimental 5G license. Ericsson stated that this license is a prerequisite for starting.
Q.Has SoftBank conducted other 5G trials with Ericsson?
Has SoftBank conducted other 5G trials with Ericsson?
Yes, they teamed up for a 5G trial in the 28-GHz millimeter wave band in March. They also performed basic tests in the 4.5-GHz and 15-GHz bands in Tokyo in 2016.
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