Ericsson and Verizon 5G field trial hits multi-Gbps speeds

• Verizon field trial of Ericsson 5G Radio Prototypes apply advanced beam forming and beam tracking to extend reach of high frequency signals while delivering more than 10 Gbps speeds 
• Use case focusses on high-definition video streaming from outdoor 5G Radio Prototypes to indoor device in residential and enterprise environments
• Real-world results demonstrate commercial viability of new millimeter wave bands proposed for 5G

Verizon and Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) are delivering exciting results that highlight the performance capabilities of 5G in live networking environments. In 2015, Verizon, the largest US wireless communications provider, announced plans for technology field trials in 2016. Ericsson has already supported Verizon's commitment with their field-trial ready 5G Radio Prototypes, introduced in November, 2015.

In 5G field trials held in February 2016, Ericsson 5G Radio Prototypes hit more than 10 Gbps peak throughput while supporting beamforming and beam tracking features. In the Verizon field trial, the Ericsson 5G Radio Prototypes, mounted outdoors, delivered high-definition video streaming to devices located indoors, emulating a residential customer environment.

Ed Chan, Senior Vice President, Technology Strategy & Planning at Verizon, says: "Verizon continues to accelerate innovation around 5G technology by working closely with our partners. We were the first to launch 4G nationwide. With 5G, we will again drive innovation across the technology landscape."

5G will encompass an evolution of today's Long Term Evolution (LTE) and the addition of new radio access technologies, often in higher frequencies. Ericsson 5G Radio Prototypes transmit signals using beamforming, which extends the reach of the high frequency bands and allows a user device to be serviced by multiple beams. Beam tracking then monitors the quality of connections available to the device and switches between beams to ensure the best user experience at all times.

Arun Bansal, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Unit Radio, Ericsson, says: "Verizon and Ericsson share a commitment to getting 5G out of the labs and into the neighborhoods where it will live. Our 5G Radio Prototypes are very compact, but powerful. They are designed to make it easy for operators to test key features, like beamforming and beam tracking that will contribute to the early adoption of new 5G services for both consumers and the Internet of Things."

5G will impact the entire mobile network and associated eco-system, from devices to radio access, core and into the cloud. Ericsson 5G Radio Prototypes are radio access products that can be installed indoors or outside enabling operators to field trial 5G services in their own network environments. Ericsson 5G Radio Prototypes leverage the technology innovations enabled by the lab-testing and live outdoor and indoor testing from phase one of the Ericsson Radio Test Bed, already deployed in the US, Japan, Korea and Sweden.

Innovative technologies incorporated in the Ericsson 5G Radio Prototypes include: 

• Multi-User MIMO, which ensures that the Ericsson 5G Radio Prototypes can address many users with the same spectrum, in one sector of a site
• Beamforming, key to enabling the Ericsson 5G Radio Prototypes to support higher frequency bands, driving increased reach and reduced energy consumption
• Beam tracking, wherein the Ericsson 5G Radio Prototypes tracks the position and movements of a given device and points one of more beams in the best direction for that device at any given time. These beams can come from multiple transmission points.
• Advanced antenna design incorporating 128 antenna elements and 64 radio chains in each Ericsson 5G Radio Prototype

Ericsson and leading operators like Verizon are leading and driving the 5G standards work from today's exploratory research and pre-standard field trials, through standardization activities along with influential standards bodies and industry.

Ericsson at Mobile World Congress 2016
During Mobile World Congress 2016 in Barcelona, Ericsson will showcase its unique industry insights, the latest innovation and inspirational discussions that enable powerful new business opportunities.

We are in the midst of the societal transformation we call the Networked Society: a society in which mobility, broadband and cloud empower every person and every industry to reach their full potential. Opportunity is everywhere, and companies are transforming according to the role they have chosen to play in the value chains and ecosystems of the Networked Society.

Join us in our Hall (Hall 2, Stand 2N60) to learn about 5G, the Internet of Things and cloud, and to discuss the impact digital transformation can have on people, business and society.

Follow the conversation online:
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NOTES TO EDITORS

More Info: 5G Radio Prototypes
Video: Introducing 5G Radio Prototypes
5G media kit
Ericsson among Verizon's 5G roadmap partners
White Paper: 5G Radio Access - Technology and Capabilities  
Video: Live Demonstration - Ericsson 5G Radio Prototypes with MU-MIMO, Massive MIMO and Beam Tracking

For media kits, backgrounders and high-resolution photos, please visit www.ericsson.com/press

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 fulfill 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.

With approximately 115,000 professionals and customers in 180 countries, we combine global scale with technology and services leadership. 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. Net sales in 2015 were SEK 246.9 billion (USD 29.4 billion). Ericsson is listed on Nasdaq OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York.

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