KT aims to launch 5G trial services in 2018
Japanese company NEC Corporation and Korean telecoms carrier KT completed of a Proof of Concept (PoC) trial for a 5G wireless backhaul solution that utilizes E-Band spectrum (70 GHZ-80 GHz).
The PoC was conducted at Phoenix Park Ski World in PyeongChang, Korea, using KT’s commercial mobile network infrastructure.
The Korean telco expects to launch 5G trial services in 2018. This PoC is based on a collaboration agreement in the field of 5G networks signed between KT and NEC in August 2015.
KT aims to introduce radio transmission using E-Band spectrum in order to establish mobile backhaul networks for 5G services, especially in mountainous areas, where it is difficult to lay optical fibers.
In this PoC, the iPASOLINK EX, NEC’s ultra-compact microwave communications system that operates with E-Band spectrum, was used to interconnect KT’s LTE base stations with high-speed and high-capacity wireless links.
“NEC’s iPASOLINK EX can operate in harsh environments, and is easy to install at various outdoor locations without large scale installation works because it is compact and light weight,” Hideyuki Muto, Deputy General Manager, Mobile Wireless Solution Division, NEC Corporation, said.
“This joint PoC took advantage of these features in order to implement a high-capacity mobile backhaul network in snowy, mountainous areas very quickly. Going forward, NEC will strengthen its partnership with KT to contribute to the launch of their 5G trial services in 2018.”
KT counted 18.03 million wireless subscribers at the end of 2015. The Asian operator offers LTE services using spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands. KT initially launched its 4G LTE offering in January 2012.
Reliance Communications to start migration of CDMA customers to LTE
In other APAC news, Indian telecoms operator Reliance Communications (RCom) confirmed plans to progressively upgrade its CDMA customers to LTE starting in May, The Economic Times reports.
The telco said it will use the newly opened 800 MHz spectrum to launch the migration process. RCom has already liberalized its 800 MHz spectrum in 16 of India’s 22 telecom circles.
The telecom firm currently has approximately 5 million customers in the CDMA segment.
