Ericsson is only major infrastructure vendor with a dynamic spectrum sharing product available
- Ericsson, Qualcomm and Verizon successfully tested dynamic spectrum sharing in over-the-air data call conducted at an Ericsson lab in Richardson, Texas.
- DSS enables simultaneous transmission of LTE and 5G NR in the same band.
- Qualcomm VP: “Dynamic Spectrum Sharing is essential for broad 5G coverage.”
As Verizon prepares to scale out its 5G footprint to include near-nationwide coverage over the course of 2020, the operator is working with Ericsson and Qualcomm to test dynamic spectrum sharing. DSS allows the transmission of LTE and 5G NR in the same band at the same time. Many carriers’ plans for providing 5G at scale hinge on DSS.
Of the major network infrastructure vendors, Ericsson is currently the only one with a commercial DSS product–Ericsson Spectrum Sharing. As such, Ericsson is working with early-movers in the space around the world, including Verizon in the U.S. and Swisscom in Europe.
Right now Verizon’s 5G service uses millimeter wave frequencies and is available in parts of several markets with the operators working to turn on service in 30 cities by the end of this year. In 2020, DSS will let Verizon use its low-band spectrum for 5G NR through a software update pushed out to base stations rather than as the result of a long, expensive spectrum re-farming process.
Verizon SVP of Network Planning Adam Koeppe, in a statement, said DSS provides needed flexibility as users shift from LTE to 5G. “As market demands for our services shift,” he said, “we nee to be able to shift our resources to efficiently meet those demands. [DSS] will allow us to allocate those resources in real time so we use our current spectrum effectively while also providing our customers the precise experience they need.”
He said millimeter wave 5G will provide coverage in dense areas and venues “in order to continue to deliver the unique experience customers associate with 5G and that are only possible with [millimeter wave] technology,” while using DSS to “supplement” the high-band service.
For more on DSS, check out the following resources:
- Siwsscom testing Ericsson DSS tech to scale 5G coverage
- What’s the state of dynamic spectrum sharing development?
- Ericsson calls out dynamic spectrum sharing as key to nationwide 5G coverage
- How will dynamic spectrum sharing ease the transition to standalone 5G?
- VIDEO: How will Ericsson Spectrum Sharing enable an easier transition to 5G in mid and low bands
- VIDEO: What are the five 5G Game changers?
