Australian operator Optus has announced the successful completion of a 5G data call using 60 MHz of 3.5-GHz spectrum, using indoor 5G CPE developed in partnership with Nokia.
The trial in Canberra involved the use of a high gain antenna designed to deliver 5G connections in residential areas.
The call was conducted using the 3GPP Release 15 5G specification using a standard commercial chipset.
Optus plans to launch 5G fixed wireless services in the first half of the year across a number of Australian capital cities.
The operator has a multi-year 5G network build plan which includes upgrading existing mobile sites, adding new sites and densifying the network with 5G-based small cell solutions in inner-city locations.
“We are on the cusp of delivering this next generation technology into the hands of our customers and hitting this milestone is an important step towards our commercial 5G launch planned for the first half of this year,” Optus managing director for networks Dennis Wong said.
“Our fixed wireless access product, combined with our ambitious roll out plan, means customers will be able to experience 5G soon.”