VodafoneZiggo, as part of GigaNet strategy, is switching on its 5G network using the Ericsson Spectrum Sharing solution enabling mobile phone subscribers to improve user experience.
VodafoneZiggo is launching 5G in the most economical way in the Netherlands by deploying a 5G solution using Ericsson Spectrum Sharing, as well as leveraging their existing Ericsson Evolved Packet Core in a Non-Standalone configuration.
The spectrum situation in the Netherlands is different compared to other European countries.
Netherlands is planning to conduct a spectrum auction for selling the 700MHz frequency in June of 2020. But Netherlands will not be able to auction the 3.5GHz band, which is currently being used by the country’s defense satellite system, until 2022.
VodafoneZiggo deployed deploying Ericsson Spectrum Sharing in order to quickly launch 5G over a wide area, using existing frequency bands and existing Ericsson Radio System equipment.
VodafoneZiggo is already a customer of Ericsson for its 3G and 4G network across the Netherlands.
The Ericsson Spectrum Sharing software, which is commercially available, can run on any of the five million 5G-ready radios Ericsson has delivered since 2015, the telecom network maker said in a statement.
Jeroen Hoencamp, CEO of VodafoneZiggo, says: “We are introducing 5G via Ericsson Spectrum Sharing in our GigaNet. We are making use of the latest innovative technology to apply 5G in existing frequency bands, using our existing antennas.”
VodafoneZiggo, a joint venture of UK-based Vodafone and U.S. based cable firm Liberty Global, said it would expand 5G coverage to the whole of the Netherlands by July, using its current frequencies.
Three major telecom network operating companies — KPN, VodafoneZiggo and T-Mobile — are likely to participate during the upcoming spectrum auction in June.
