Despite setbacks to 5G infrastructure due to the outbreak of COVID-19, providers are continuing to push forward with the rollout of 5G new radio (NR) standalone (SA) networks.
China Mobile has agreed to use Ericsson’s 5G radio access network (RAN) and 5G core (5GC) components for the second phase of its NR SA network.
SA networks are considered a major step forward for 5G adoption and acceptance as it allow consumers to use smartphones and other devices running directly on 5G infrastructure. Currently, most networks run on non-standalone (NSA) networks that piggyback on already installed 4G networks. SA 5G will also allow for the promised speeds of up to 10 times the current downloads of 4G as well as a major boost in latency and bandwidth.
In the deal with China Mobile, Ericsson will expand its RAN partnership to 17 provinces with the deployment of Ericsson Radio System products and solutions.
The deployment will take place in two major Chinese regions that cover five provinces. The 5G Core network will be deployed on network functions virtualization infrastructure (NFVI) along with Ericsson Dynamic Orchestration as well as providing cloud VoLTE, cloud unified data management and policy.
The two companies will test, validate and develop 5G technologies including products for China Mobile’s 5G network development as well as customizing 4G/5G compatible network solutions.
