DNA’s network evolving towards 5G – DNA and Ericsson tested 5G technology

There are three targets set for 5G: to enable a large-scale Internet of Things, to support highly reliable delay-critical connections, and to further increase the efficiency of mobile broadband technology. A transmission rate of 20 Gbps and a delay of 3 ms were achieved in the radio connection in the 5G test conducted by DNA and Ericsson in Jorvas, which is a strong proof of the progress of the 5G development work.

“In due course, 5G will mean another big leap forward for mobile communications technology, but it’s not a question of revolution but evolution. The first application to use the new 5G radio technology will probably be fixed wireless broadband,” says Jarkko Laari, Director of Radio Networks at DNA.

The need for more efficient mobile broadband is also taken into account in the evolution of the 4G technology. An example of this is Siuntio’s 1.2 Gbps mobile broadband readiness in DNA’s mobile network.

“Last spring we already achieved a 600 Mbps 4G network speed in the fastest 4G village in Finland, Karuby in Siuntio. Now the first commercial terminals that can maximally utilise this network speed are about to enter the market. As the next development step towards 5G transmission rates, we will increase the maximum speed of our 4G network in Karuby to 1.2 Gbps during the late winter. Terminal devices supporting gigabit rates are expected to enter the market later this year,” says Laari.

Mobile technology supports the Internet of Things better than before and is moving towards the cloud

The Internet of Things (IoT) has been mentioned as one of the most important uses for 5G in the future. DNA is already enabling better connections for the Internet of Things in the 4G network by means of NB-IoT technology. Piloting of the new technology will begin with selected customers during the next few weeks.

IoT services, which will also be provided through 4G and 5G in the future, require the new IPv6 protocol.

“IPv6 enables direct two-way communications between teminal devices. The mobile network must support an increasingly large number of terminal devices, as various devices are provided with sensors and actuators to allow them to be monitored and controlled them even in real time, if necessary,” says Laari.

Many requirements set for 5G technology as well as cost-efficiency drive the development of mobile networks towards cloud architecture.

“We are preparing for the roll-out of 5G, which is expected to take place in a few years, keeping also cloud technology in mind. This means a significant change in the network architecture. On the other hand, it is already possible to benefit from cloud solutions in 4G networks. This year we are also planning to pilot cloud technologies with Ericsson both in the 4G radio network and in the core network,” Laari says.

“Ericsson supports DNA in the evolution of the network towards 5G. The 5G tests carried out in Jorvas gave us a foretaste of the future capabilities of mobile networks. 5G enables even better connections and more versatile applications. The 5G test we carried out with DNA and the upcoming pilot tests show that DNA’s mobile network is already highly ready for 5G and the constant growth of mobile data,” says Anssi Kulju, Key Account Manager at Ericsson Finland.

Further information:
Jarkko Laari, Director, Radio Networks, DNA Plc, tel. +358 (0)44 044 4949, jarkko.laari@dna.fi
DNA Corporate Communications, tel. +358 (0)44 044 8000, communications@dna.fi
Ericsson Corporate Communications, tel. +358 (0)44 299 2556

DNA Plc is a Finnish telecommunications group providing high-quality voice, data and TV services for communication, entertainment and working. DNA is Finland's largest cable operator and the leading pay TV provider in both cable and terrestrial networks. For DNA, the key area for growth in corporate business is the new way of working, independent of time and place, facilitated by smart terminal devices, diverse communications services and rapid connections. In 2016, DNA recorded net sales of EUR 859 million and an operating profit of EUR 91 million. DNA has more than 3.8 million subscriptions in its fixed and mobile communications networks. The Group also includes DNA Store, Finland's largest retail chain selling mobile phones. DNA shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. For further information, visit www.dna.fi or follow us on Twitter @DNA_fi, @DNA_Business and @DNA_Palvelu and Facebook.

Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society – a world leader in communications technology and services. Our long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, business and society to fulfil their potential and create a more sustainable future.Our services, software and infrastructure – especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud – are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities. Our about 114,000 experts and our customers in 180 countries make us a global leader in technology and services. We support networks that connect more than 2.5 billion subscribers. Forty percent of the world’s mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks. And our investments in research and development ensure that our solutions – and our customers – stay in front. Founded in 1876, Ericsson has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. The Group’s net sales in 2015 were USD 29.4 billion (SEK 249.6 billion). Ericsson is listed on the NASDAQ OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York. Ericsson Finland employs more than 800 experts, and the company’s headquarters are located in Kirkkonummi. Our operations in Finland are based on three strong competence areas: research and product development, cooperation with local customers, and service business focused both on international and on local customers.