The two companies had signed a 5G partnership in 2015
Chinese vendor Huawei and UK telecom group Vodafone announced they have successfully tested 5G mobile connectivity using high- and low-frequency bands.
The two companies have demonstrated 1.5 kilometer cell coverage in the lower C-Band and 5 Gbps peak throughput for a single user in the high band. Huawei also said that this demo was the first 5G large scale mobility field test of macro coverage in dense urban city scenarios.
The Chinese vendor also highlighted the performance achieved in this test is an important reference for next generation mobile network (NGMN) and European trial initiatives to develop and verify solutions for a future 5G commercial launch plan.
“The results of these tests are an important development and help further our understanding of how 5G mobile connectivity performs in high and low frequency bands. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Huawei to test and evaluate emerging 5G technologies,” Luke Ibbetson, Head of Vodafone Group Research and Development, said.
Huawei and Vodafone signed a 5G strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2015 and a 5G Technologies Acceleration MoU in 2016.
Sky UK confirms plans to launch mobile services soon
In other EMEA news, triple-play operator Sky UK revealed that it aims to commercially launch mobile services through a MVNO scheme in the short term.
The operator recently announced it has completed its first live calls, SMS and data sessions. Sky UK also confirmed that it has already signed international roaming agreements.
“The forthcoming launch of our mobile proposition will add another major product offering to our U.K. line up and will give our customers the opportunity to take even more from a brand known for great customer services and quality products,” Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch, said.
Sky UK’s mobile service will be offered through UK mobile operator O2’s network. The companies had signed a MVNO agreement in January 2015.
