• Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and Ericsson successfully conduct nation’s first Voice over New Radio (VoNR) call over the live 5G network 
• VoNR provides high-definition audio and video for improved user experience and opens up new revenue generation opportunities for mobile network operators (MNOs) with ready 5G Cores
• Ability to conduct simultaneous data functions like downloading files and playing video while making VoNR calls where previously, calls defaulted to 4G LTE thereby pausing activity over the 5G network

Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) recently demonstrated a 5G Voice over New Radio (VoNR) call, conducted in Malaysia for the first time over a live 5G network. This technical milestone is testament to the ability of the DNB network to support both 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) architectures.

VoNR utilizes DNB’s 5G network SA architecture to offer end users a high-definition, audio-video experience thanks to ultrafast 5G speeds throughout the duration of the calls. VoNR is also expected to generate new revenue opportunities among MNOs with ready 5G Cores. The calls over the live network were made using OPPO Find x3 Pro phones.

Currently, audio and/or video calls made over mobile devices rely on existing 4G LTE networks. Devices on the 5G network would therefore switch over to 4G LTE by default. Now, compatible devices that support VoNR capabilities are no longer handed over to the 4G network for calls. This significantly reduces network switching for devices on the 5G network.

As a result, devices on the 5G network will soon be able to simultaneously conduct VoNR calls and large file downloads without any interruption due to network switching.

The superior characteristics of 5G radio will enable improved voice and communication services, such as network-efficient video calling, real-time interaction and further evolution of voice calls into rich, innovative communication services.

These services can utilize the high data speeds and low latency of 5G, to enable new real-time voice and communication use cases between humans, or between humans and machines; for example, interactive calling, augmented reality, virtual reality and other services.

In addition, increased capacity for voice and video is also achieved because of more voice and video calls per cell in dense city areas.

Ken Tan, Chief Technology Officer of Digital Nasional Berhad said, “The successful VoNR demonstration, done for the first time over the live nationwide 5G network is the latest technical milestone of how 5G can deliver a new and superior user experience via a cloud-native 5G Standalone architecture. 5G VoNR can be a key enabler of next generation immersive applications that combine 5G speeds and high-definition audio. We will continue to deliver 5G capabilities to support technology innovation in Malaysia.”

David Hägerbro, Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh said, “5G VoNR calls are a basic capability needed for future Standalone New Radio (SA NR) 5G deployments and will allow innovative services to be offered in the market. This is another milestone as we work with DNB to deliver a world class network for Malaysians to enjoy.”

Earlier in November 2021, DNB’s Multi Core Operator Network (MOCN) architecture achieved a global technical milestone, becoming the first operator to successfully integrate its 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) with five local MNOs.