T-Mobile and Ericsson achieve over 12 Gbps on 5G connection

September 20, 2016, 22:00 (CEST)

• T-Mobile and Ericsson demo shows the benefits of mobility between 5G and LTE connections with first ever uninterrupted voice call between 4G and 5G networks

• Field trials continue through second half of 2016

• Builds upon Ericsson's long-standing partnership with T-Mobile for LTE-Advanced and network transformation

T-Mobile US, Inc. and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) today announced the results of their 5G trial that included a voice call between 4G and 5G networks, using Ericsson's 5G radio prototype system and T-Mobile's LTE network and devices.

The innovative demonstration showed it was possible to achieve connection throughput of over 12 Gbps for 5G downloads and ultra-low latency connections of less than 2 milliseconds. The 5G trial occurred on August 3, 2016, at Ericsson's facilities and included test demonstrations of two-directional beam steering, operation of multiple simultaneous 4K video streams and the first test of a voice call connecting between 4G and 5G networks.

In February 2016, Ericsson and T-Mobile announced they would work together to deploy a 5G pre-standards based 28GHz test system for lab and field trials in the United States. The two companies agreed to develop and test selected 5G use-cases and services to enable T-Mobile to evaluate emerging 5G technologies, drive 5G technology development and standardization and to explore new business opportunities.

With the latest Ericsson Mobility Report predicting 150 million 5G subscriptions by the end of 2021, mobile operators around the globe are working with Ericsson to develop 5G pre-standard lab and field trials to test advanced technologies for different use cases and services. 5G networks have the potential to significantly reduce latency, allow ultra-fast download and upload speeds, improve spectral efficiency and network reliability, provide fixed access to homes and businesses and substantially increase the number of devices that can simultaneously connect to the network.

Neville Ray, Chief Technology Officer of T-Mobile, says:

"We're building towards 5G every single day with advanced technologies in our network, so we can put 5G to work for our customers just like we do with every new innovation. With Ericsson, we've now demonstrated speeds over 12 Gbps."

5G development is expected to drive new rounds of innovation in a variety of industries, including virtual and augmented reality applications in connected cars, homes and cities. Other applications can include remote control of heavy machinery in hazardous environments, and remote surgery.

Arun Bansal, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Unit Network Products, Ericsson, says:

"Ericsson is committed to supporting T-Mobile in their efforts to move 5G from the current field trials to full commercial availability. Smooth handover between 5G and advanced LTE networks will be critical to delivering a robust user experience especially with new media applications."

Ericsson and its customers, including T-Mobile, are leading and driving 5G from pre-standard field trials through standardization activities along with influential standards bodies and industry. Ericsson has already announced more than 25 agreements to test 5G with operators across the globe. Ericsson and its customers will be key players in defining the next generation of mobile network technology all the way to commercialization.