Ericsson and the German telecommunications company O2 Telefónica have completed a proof of concept (PoC) in an effort to pave the way for the development of 5G cloud RAN technology in Europe. The partners demonstrated the capabilities of Ericsson’s first 5G cloud RAN installation in Europe at O2 Telefónica’s innovation center in Munich, Wayra.
The Proof of Concept used a centralized control unit and mmWave frequency. This achieved speeds over 4 Gbps, according to the vendor. This collaboration proves cloud RAN’s feasibility for various applications, including FWA. This is according to Ericsson and O2 Telefónica. O2 Telefónica’s use of Ericsson’s solution for 5G cloud RAN is expected to improve service delivery. It’s also set to enhance network operations and flexibility.
Our collaboration with O2 Telefónica showcases our dedication to pioneering
Daniel Leimbach, leading Ericsson’s Western Europe customer unit, shared: “Our partnership with O2 Telefónica symbolizes our commitment to driving pivotal innovations while we build networks of the future. This marks a first for both companies in Europe, underscoring cloud RAN’s potential for high-performance use cases. This initiative builds on our work with the cloud-native 5G core deployed in O2 Telefónica Germany, enabling a fully cloud native network. By adopting a standardized, cloud-based architecture, we can swiftly address customer needs, introduce new products and services flexibly, and augment our O2 network’s scalability.” In turn, O2 Telefónica’s chief technology and information officer, Mallik Rao, stated: “Through Cloud RAN, we merge the advantages of open interfaces with the product quality and expertise of Ericsson, a European network equipment supplier whose technology already powers our high-performance 5G core network.”
Introduction of nearly a thousand 5G sites.
Ericsson’s 5G Cloud RAN is a cloud-native solution. It provides multiple benefits to operators. These include standardizing operational systems and practices. It eases deployment and management of resources. This contributes to improved efficiency across resource life cycles. In the year’s first quarter, the German carrier introduced nearly a thousand 5G sites. This expansion led to a significant update. By the end of March, their 5G network covered about 82% of the U.S. population. Their aim is total U.S. coverage by 2025. Meanwhile, O2 Telefónica is densifying its 5G network. It is focusing on both urban and rural areas in Germany. In Q1 2018, 200 5G sites were launched at 3.6 GHz. These sites were located in several cities, including Berlin and Hamburg. The telecom company has already provided 5G at 700 MHz. This service covers approximately 600 locations in Germany. Telefónica is set to deploy a nationwide 5G Standalone (SA) network. Activation will only occur when 5G SA benefits customers. This is also reliant on sufficient device support for 5G SA.
Source: RCR Wireless
