T-Mobile, Qualcomm Technologies and Ericsson have announced that they’ve achieved a low-band 5G data session on a commercial 5G modem. The data session was completed on a mobile test device, powered by the second-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 5G modem, RF transceiver and RF Front-End (RFFE) solution, as well as commercial 5G radios from the Ericsson Radio System portfolio. The demonstration is an important step toward the launch of the first commercial 5G network using low-band spectrum.
“This is a key step toward achieving our vision of 5G for all,” said Neville Ray, chief technology officer, T-Mobile: “This modem will power devices that tap into the 600 MHz low-band spectrum, blanketing the country with 5G. And we’re not stopping there. If regulators approve our merger with Sprint, we’ll have the crucial mid-band spectrum and resources needed to supercharge our network, delivering broad and deep transformational 5G across the U.S.”
“Today’s data call marks a significant milestone in 5G’s ongoing rollout across the United States, paving the way for the launch of commercial networks and devices on low-band FDD spectrum,” said Cristiano Amon, president, Qualcomm Incorporated: “This call demonstrates the ability to dramatically increase 5G’s global footprint and we look forward to continuing our work with industry leaders like Ericsson and T-Mobile, to unlock the full potential of 5G for consumers and new industries around the world.”
“Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies have successfully tested and commercialised 5G globally across different spectrum bands, and together with T-Mobile, we have now reached another major milestone as we are enabling 5G on low bands,” said Fredrik Jejdling, executive vice president and head of business area networks, Ericsson: “This shows that our industry is now ready for building wider 5G coverage that will enhance end user experience.”
