Today, February 7, Nokia confirmed via a press release that it completed interoperability and over-the-air testing for 5G NR (New Radio) specification between network infrastructure and devices in collaboration with Qualcomm.
The testing was performed on the Nokia AirScale base station using Qualcomm’s prototype system. Both the companies are now focused on boosting the ecosystem to deploy the 5G network in 2019 at a broad scale by using the necessary infrastructure and devices.
The experiment was carried out in a 3.5Ghz and 28Ghz spectrum, using equipment that is compatible as per global 3GPP 5G NR Release 15 standard. The specifications then have been shipped to over 100 customers.
Now it will follow the commercialization of the 5G network at Nokia’s 5G center of excellence in Oulu of Finland, to verify and trail the technology. This will be based on the results of the foundation tests and will open the doors for 5G services and different deployment possibilities.
The press release revealed that several carriers are working with the two companies for verifying and trailing 5G NR. These carriers are Deutsche Telecom, Vodafone, Docomo, Elisa, Optus, Telia, SKT, LGU+, KT, and BT/EE.
The leadership of Nokia and Qualcomm in bringing 5G network globally will see to timely commercial network launches in 2019. The preliminary markets targeted by the partnership are the USA, Europe, China, Japan, and Korea.
Mark Rouanne, the President of Mobile Networks at Nokia pointed out the importance of the foundation tests: “Importantly, they demonstrate how we have quickly applied the 3GPP Release 15 specifications that were set in December, using our AirScale base station – which has been shipped to more than 100 customers – together with a prototype Qualcomm Technologies UE. Now, we can look forward to commencing standards-based, over-the-air 5G NR trials with operators.”
Cristiano Amon, President of Qualcomm Incorporated gave the statement:
The successful completion of an end-to-end interoperable connection based on the global 5G NR standard is a significant step on the path to launching 5G NR commercial networks and devices starting in 2019. We look forward to further collaboration on standard-compliant field trials with Nokia and global operators on the path to commercialization. – Cristiano Amon, President of Qualcomm
While the world eagerly awaits the 5G network, we are as well keeping a tab on the developments. Keep following us for timely updates on 5G.
