LG U+, a telecom operator in Korea, has selected Ericsson as a 5G radio access network (RAN) supplier for its 3.5 GHz Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G network.
Ericsson, a leading telecom equipment maker based in Sweden, said it has already been selected by LG U+ as a preferred 5G core network vendor.

This first 5G RAN contract with LG U+ sees Ericsson deploying 3GPP standards-based 5G New Radio (NR) hardware and software from Ericsson Radio System (part of Ericsson’s 5G platform).

RAN deployment got underway in October 2019. Ericsson solutions are going commercially live as they are deployed in the LG U+ network.

The new RAN deal means that Ericsson now has commercial 5G RAN contracts with all three major communication service providers in Korea.

Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT says the number of 5G subscriptions in the country have passed the three million mark in late September. The growth rate in 5G subscriptions could see the five million mark being passed by the end of 2019.

All communication service providers in Korea are also exploring 5G opportunities in Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) such as: smart manufacturing, including automation and artificial intelligence (AI), enterprise opportunities, smart cities, transportation, and public safety.

“Ericsson’s 5G technology leadership is key to ramping-up our 5G ambitions. Ericsson will help us to deliver the very best enhanced mobile broadband experiences for our subscribers, as well as opening up innovation and job creation opportunities through the Internet of Things (IoT), Industry 4.0 and digitalized society,” Daehee Kim, vice president, Network Strategy, LG U+, said.

Hakan Cervell, head of Ericsson Korea, Ericsson, says: “We’re working in close partnership with LG U+ to strengthen its 5G network in Korea.”