Vodafone Idea achieves 4Gbps speed during 5G trials

Vodafone Idea today said it demonstrated speed of 4 gigabit per second (Gbps) during the ongoing 5G trials along with Ericsson. 

Under the current trials, the 5G network set up by Vodafone Idea on the 3.5GHz mid band and 26GHZ mm wave band in Pune helped deploy Ericsson-based products on the cloud.  

Vodafone Idea deployed Ericsson Radios and Ericsson dual mode core based on cloud native technology comprising 5G standalone, non-standalone and LTE packet core functions. 

Ericsson also demonstrated the potential of fixed wireless access, which it said will address the concern of limited fixed broadband penetration levels in India and improve data experiences on the move. 

Fixed wireless refers to the operation of wireless communication devices or systems which are used to connect two fixed locations with a radio or other links such as laser bridges. 

“While previous generations of mobile technology were centred on consumer and personal communications, 5G will serve consumers and enterprises and will enable India to unlock the potential of Industry 4.0 for India,” said Amarjeet Singh, Vice President, Ericsson. 

Ericsson also showcased the potential of 5G for remote diagnostics in the healthcare sector. The use case involved a doctor who was able to carry out an ultrasound scan from an urban locality to a patient in a remote rural location. 

Also read: Vi, Ericsson showcase 5G trial use cases for rural healthcare

On November 1, 2021, Airtel launched ‘5Gforbusiness’ initiative to showcase 5G products to enterprises.  

The initiative will demonstrate case studies and testing of 5G solutions for high speed and low latency networks. 

Airtel said it will work with technology companies such as Cisco, AWS, Ericsson, Nokia and TCS to deploy solutions such as Apollo Hospitals and Flipkart. 

On October 5, 2021, Airtel clocked speeds of 100Mbps on a 5G-enabled mobile device in a test that was part of a rural pilot undertaken by the telco and Ericsson. 

Also read: Airtel-Ericsson engage in 5G rural trials, clock 100 mbps speed 

The 5G spectrum auctions in India will most probably be held in February 2022 and the government may even try for a January timeline, Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had said.