Ericsson says commercial 5G spectrum-sharing is step closer following a “landmark” data call achievement with Swisscom and Qualcomm Technologies.
The partners successfully carried out what they claim is the first over-the-air spectrum-sharing 5G data call with a service provider, at Swisscom’s Digital Lab.
Ericsson and Qualcomm had previously achieved the first 5G data call using Ericsson Spectrum Sharing on a 3GPP Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) low band.
Dynamic spectrum sharing allows service providers to dynamically switch between both LTE and 5G NR (New Radio) coverage on existing 4G assets.
5G coverage
The call on 31 October, which was announced this week, used Ericsson Spectrum Sharing (ESS). Based on traffic demand, the solution dynamically shares spectrum between 4G and 5G carriers, making the switch within milliseconds to minimise spectrum wastage and provide the best end-user performance.
Patrick Weibel, Head of 5G Program, Swisscom, said, “Dynamic spectrum-sharing allows Swisscom to best leverage the existing frequency spectrum and infrastructure for 4G and 5G customers, depending on their needs. Spectrum-sharing will ensure that Swisscom can provide extensive 5G coverage to its customers as soon as possible.”
Hannes Ekström, Head of Product Line 5G RAN, Ericsson, added, “With Ericsson Spectrum Sharing, service providers can reuse their Ericsson Radio System investments on bands currently used for LTE to support a fast introduction of 5G. This first ESS 5G data call by Swisscom, on commercial platforms, is an important step toward enabling cost-efficient, nationwide 5G coverage and services.”
By Wayne Darroch