Swisscom has conducted Europe’s first multi-vendor 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) data call on 3.5 GHz spectrum band in Burgdorf city.
Swisscom engineers made the 5G data call over Swisscom’s 3GPP-compliant network using Ericsson Radio System radio, baseband and transport solutions, as well as the Ericsson Cloud Packet Core operated on a system-verified Ericsson NFVi solution.

Swisscom said its engineers have conducted data transmissions using Intel’s Mobile Trial Platform (MTP) device and Swisscom’s 5G-subscribed SIM card.

Swisscom aims to be the first mobile operator in Switzerland to offer 5G services, pending the definitive outcome of commercial spectrum in the country. The operator plans to roll out 5G services in selected locations by end of 2018.

“The experience that Swisscom gains with the 5G network in Burgdorf is very important for our coming launch of 5G services,” Heinz Herren, CIO and CTO at Swisscom, said.

Swisscom and Ericsson demonstrated network slicing on Ericsson’s 4G and 5G network at Mobile World Congress 2018. In November 2017, Swisscom selected Ericsson as strategic supplier for Gigabit LTE and 5G.

Swisscom has a test license in Burgdorf to transmit on the frequencies required for 5G and carry out corresponding field trials. Currently, one 5G antenna site is in operation in Burgdorf. Ten more mobile communication sites in Burgdorf and the surrounding area soon will be equipped with 5G.

Swisscom held 5G demonstrations in Zurich with mobile speeds of more than 20 Gbit/s as well as network slicing applications and other features in 2017. The medical technology manufacturer, Ypsomed, has digitised its process chain based on 5G.

In addition, Swisscom is also conducting 5G network tests with residential customers in Guttannen for applications, and is demonstrating how rural areas can also benefit from ultra-broadband.