Orange will start 5G testing in Chatillon and Rennes in the 26 GHz band following ARCEP’s approval to assign experimentation frequencies.
Orange on Tuesday said it will begin the first experimentation phase before the end of 2019. Engineers at Orange started the deployment of the 5G test network. They are also conducting performance measurements for speed and coverage.
Orange will be using 5G devices from Sony equipped with Qualcomm modem and processor to conduct 5G tests.
In 2020, passengers travelling through Rennes train station will be able to connect to 5G hotspots and download videos to their mobile or tablet in a few seconds, and then watch them while traveling in the train. Orange will conduct additional consumer or business services at a later stage.
Since December 2018, around 15 companies have conducted indoor and outdoor tests of innovative products and services at its Orange Gardens 5G Lab. These 5G tests use the 3.4-3.8 GHz frequency band. The 5G Lab will also test the local 5G network in the 26 GHz band.
“The 26GHz spectrum band will allow us to explore new services based on 5G. We are aiming to set-up experimental platforms that will stimulate collaboration on these new use-cases across all economic sectors,” Mari-Noelle Jego-Laveissiere, chief technology and innovation officer of Orange, said.
