Ericsson is responsible for both radio and core 5G networks in Croatia. In Bulgaria, Nokia is building the radio network and Ericsson the core network, while Nokia is responsible for both radio and core networks in Serbia and Slovenia.
“Nokia and Ericsson are already longstanding strategic partners for the operator. By selecting them, A1 Telekom Austria Group took a decision to evolve its networks and services. We are demonstrating a strong commitment to providing the best user experience in terms of communications and entertainment services on a high-class and secure infrastructure. At the same time, we are taking a strong stand on virtualization, automation, and simplification of our network architecture,” said Alexander Kuchar, director of A1’s Technology & Future Services.
After signing an agreement on the further development of the 5G radio access network, A1 Croatia continues to cooperate with Ericsson on the implementation of a converged 5G core solution. The President of A1 Croatia Management Board, Jiří Dvorjančanský, explained the importance of the strategic partnership between the two companies, which has existed since the very beginning, 22 years ago.
“A1 Croatia is facing a significant investment cycle in 5G technology, which will secure the necessary support for economic recovery and the development of a digital society. Our state-of-the-art 5G core network will enable real-time industrial automation and robotics, assisted and autonomous driving, providing a reliable low latency network (5G URLLC), and reservation of part of the network (5G RAN slicing) for special purposes. All of these are preconditions for Industry 4.0 that open the possibility of positioning Croatia as a globally competitive country,” Dvorjančanský noted.
Recently, Ericsson, in collaboration with the Australian telecom Telstra, achieved the longest distance 5G call in the world. More precisely, a 5G Standalone (5G SA) data call was completed at a distance of 113 km, from Telstra’s base station in Gippsland, Victoria. Telstra’s 850 MHz spectrum and Ericsson’s newest 5G SA network software were used to achieve the call. The extended range 5G call was made possible using Ericsson’s latest commercial network software for 5G SA, and the test was conducted using a commercially available smartphone.
“This new world record of an extended 5G cell range of 113 km is a huge win for rural and regional Australia giving Telstra another coverage capability option. Whether it’s enabling remote learning, especially during times of lockdown, or even facilitating remote telehealth over 5G and more such applications, this announcement today demonstrates both Telstra and Ericsson’s dedication to empowering everyday Australians with faster speeds, greater convenience, and superior connectivity,” says Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand.
