SK Telecom, Nokia Networks Achieve 19.1 Gbps Over-The-Air In Joint 5G Trial

SK Telecom and Nokia Networks together demonstrated Nokia Networks' cmWave technology, setting a new milestone that adds momentum to the standardization of 5G* technologies.

In a joint 5G trial in South Korea, the two companies achieved 19.1 Gbps transmission speed over the air using 256 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), 8x8 Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) transmission and 400 MHz of bandwidth.

This initiative underlines the leadership of both Nokia Networks and SK Telecom in developing the framework for superb 5G-based value propositions for users and fostering future service innovation.

It also showcases the potential of 5G to transmit massive amounts of data in the blink of an eye, which would, for example, enable a user to download a full-HD movie in a matter of seconds.  

The Solution demonstrates access point sending downlink transmission over the air and receiving it at the mobile terminal and evaluates radio channel performance at cmWave frequency band.

It also provides runtime feedback while moving the mobile terminal or blocking paths between the access point and the terminal

Alex Jinsung Choi, chief technology officer, SK Telecom, said: "With the world's first demonstration of the cmWave technology, we have reached a significant milestone towards realizing 5G. The 19.1Gbps transmission speed we achieved almost meets one of the key capabilities of 5G defined by the ITU-R. SK Telecom will continue to work closely with Nokia Networks to maintain this momentum towards creating a new era of communications."

Also speaking, Marc Rouanne, executive vice president, Mobile Broadband, Nokia Networks, said: "Together with SK Telecom, one of our long-standing customers in Korea, we have achieved a unique distinction demonstrating that Nokia is at the forefront of 5G-related initiatives. Moreover, this engagement also underpins our vision to be recognized as the enabler of 5G in Korea and across the globe, a goal that is the driving force behind all our R&D efforts in this area."

2015 has been a landmark year for the ever-strengthening relationship between SK Telecom and Nokia Networks.

Both companies have played a pivotal role in setting the pace for the telecommunications industry in Korea.

In the recent past, they have successfully verified key technology for 5G core networks, demonstrated 600 Mbps data transmission rates using 4X4 MIMO technology over LTE and also commercialized a core LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) technology called 'Enhanced Inter-Cell Interference Coordination' (eICIC) for the first time in the world.

--