Through its commercial 5G AirScale portfolio using 3.75 GHz, Nokia was able to reach download speeds faster than 1,000 Mbps in Dallas, TX. These tests have shown that the telecom giant from Finland is ready to unleash its services for use in the commercial sector and with an upcoming auction for C-band spectrum approaching this Winter, Nokia feels that its C-band will provide the perfect answer to carriers looking to get the most out of their 5G network capacity concerning the ability to provide comprehensive coverage to subscribers.
Tommi Uitto, the President of Mobile Networks for Nokia said in a statement, “The mobile industry is dependent on the allocation of new spectrum to increase capacity and deliver enhanced mobile broadband services. This test, in the C-band, is significant because it proves that we have a solution ready-to-go following the completion of the spectrum auctions in the U.S. later this year.” He continued, “We are already working with all major U.S. carriers and look forward to strengthening our relationship with them further by deploying C-band and delivering incredible 5G experiences to business and subscribers across the country.”
The test was executed on Nokia’s AirScale 5G base station equipment using 100 Mhz of spectrum at 3.75 GHz and a 4×4 MIMO and a configuration in NSA mode with Nokia’s network. It performed as expected and was observed that the handovers did happen between C-band base stations.
In July, the FCC allowed companies to bid on 3.5 GHz CBRS spectrum; however, the auction in December for C-band is being watched by many in the industry as the opportunity to acquire mid-tier spectrum despite having to compete with satellite companies who are already within the space. Companies will want to move soon because Nokia is stating that it expects its network to be running before the second half of 2021. In a statement released by Nokia, it announced that “C-band spectrum will be prime spectrum for providing leading-edge 5G services in the U.S., especially when combined with already deployed network infrastructure and spectrum bands via TDD/FDD Carrier Aggregation and other interworking features.”
Nokia is prepared as the company offers a wide range of products including its AirScale 5G RF products, 3.5 GHz products, 64TRX, 32TRX massive MIMO, 8T8R radios, 4T4R micro RRH, and indoor pico RRH. On top of having so many wonderful solutions, Nokia has taken the initiative of shipping them throughout the globe to a variety of carriers at a sizable volume. A notable difference, however, is that within the United States, these products will require changes to their hardware that matches the appropriate frequency range and follows the requirements necessary for operation. These tests are a clear step in the right direction to offer much-needed infrastructure for American wireless carriers. With the U.S. continuing to distance itself from any involvement with Huawei, finding solutions from sources such as Nokia will go a long way in developing 5G networks across the country.
Source: Fierce Wireless