Vodafone, Nokia test deployment of 5G on 700MHz spectrum

Nokia and Vodafone Hutchison Australia announced the deployment of low-band 700MHz spectrum in a field test in a 5G network in Australia.
The use of 700MHz spectrum — which will be complementing their present 5G rollout on 3.5GHz spectrum — will enhance the 5G coverage of Vodafone Australia, improve the indoor coverage experience to 5G smartphone customers.

The solution utilizes Nokia’s AirScale product range. Engineers at Vodafone Australia are testing the innovative solution on some of 5G sites of Vodafone Australia in and around Parramatta in Western Sydney. Vodafone Australia will roll out the 700MHz spectrum in selected areas.

Nokia Global Services will provide 5G mobile project planning, installation, and network optimization services.

Nokia and Vodafone Australia experts will re-purpose the 700MHz spectrum to 5G 700MHz enabling the delivery of new 5G services, while maintaining the performance of the existing 4G network in the country, said Inaki Berroeta, chief executive officer at Vodafone Hutchison Australia.