The two partners aim to test 5G in Eindhoven using spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band
Ericsson has signed a letter of intent with Dutch operator VodafoneZiggo to test 5G technology in the city of Eindhoven in the second quarter of the year, the carrier said in a statement.
Under the terms of the agreement, the partners will rollout 5G test facilities in a number of locations in Eindhoven. To this end, the Radio Communications Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy has allocated temporary spectrum.
“We are convinced that 5G technology can make a valuable contribution to our society,” said Stijn Steenbakkers, the alderman for Economy, Education and Innovation at the city of Eindhoven. “We are pleased with the parties’ enthusiasm from the social innovations. But for us as municipality, the welfare of our inhabitants is always paramount. We therefore request the parties to address any questions or concerns of local residents regarding possible health or spatial consequences by providing independent research, transparent measurements and public information. Parties have agreed to include these responsibilities in each project.”
‘We work hard on the network of the future, fixed as well as mobile. To that end we – together with other parties and entrepreneurs – are already conducting pilots in 5Groningen where we use simulations to test new techniques like network slicing and edge computing,” said VodafoneZiggo CEO Jeroen Hoencamp.
“Until now, we didn’t have the opportunity to test that with the 3.5 GHz frequency. That’s why we are delighted that we can utilize the 3.5 GHz test license to test genuine 5G in Eindhoven in the near future. The good thing is that in this way we will gain practical experience, while also providing value to people and society with the pilots.”
Ericsson has already secured 16 contracts for the deployment of 5G technology. In North America, the vendor has already secured contracts with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile US, US Cellular and Verizon. In Europe, Ericsson has 5G deals with Swisscom, TDC, Telenor, Vodafone UK, and Wind 3.
The European vendor also inked 5G contracts with Etisalat, Ooredoo and STC in the Middle East and KT, SK Telecom and Telstra in Asia Pacific.
Vodafone installs first 5G antenna in Portugal
In related news, Vodafone Portugal has activated what it claims to be the first 5G antenna in Portugal. Located at its headquarters, the operator’s 5G network is now available for all companies, universities and startups that integrate the Vodafone 5G Hub innovation centre to test their projects. The Vodafone 5G Hub already has seven partners namely Ericsson, Altran, Celfinet, Nimest, Parkio, the Instituto Superior Tecnico (IST) and the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP).
The 5G network uses spectrum in the 3.6 GHz band, authorized by Portugal’s telecommunications regulator Anacom. By the end of the the year, Vodafone said it aims to install new 5G base stations between the cities of Lisbon and Porto.
