Qualcomm, Swisscom, WNC And Ericsson Successfully Achieve World's First 5G NR Sub-6 GHz OTA Connection On Live Network With A 5G Device

Important Milestone on the Path to Commercialization of 5G Devices in 2019

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, Swisscom, Wistron NeWeb Corporation (WNC) and Ericsson recently showed the first 5G device on a live 5G NR network in Europe.

The 5G connection in the 3.5 GHz spectrum band took place at Swisscom’s Dialog Arena technology showcase event in Lucerne and was conducted using a 5G CPE, the WNC MWH-5 accessing Swisscom’s 3GPP Rel-15 5G NR network based on Ericsson’s hardware and software for radio, transport and core network solutions. During the event, the device connected to the 5G NR Swisscom network and displayed a 5G icon. The WNC device powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X50 5G modem and RF subsystem is expected to be one of the first commercially available 5G devices on Swisscom’s 5G network in first half of 2019.

In addition to the WNC device, Swisscom also demonstrated a 5G NR data transfer on the same 5G network using Qualcomm Technologies’ smartphone form factor mobile test device, also powered by the Snapdragon X50 5G modem and RF subsystem that will power commercial 5G mobile devices expected in 2019.

Swisscom announced that 3GPP-compliant 5G NR sites have been put into operation using a test licence in Geneva, Lausanne, Berne, Burgdorf, Lucerne and Zurich to gain insights about different real-world network conditions such as highly crowded environments, lake surfaces or mountain areas.

“In the past, we only had lab-like demonstrations. Today in Lucerne, we successfully connected both, Qualcomm Technologies' 5G mobile test device and WNC’s CPE, with our live 5G network. We are committed to technology leadership and today is a big step forward. This network is relevant to the future of Switzerland being a leader in innovation,” says Urs Schaeppi, CEO of Swisscom.

“Today, we are proud to have delivered this live 5G connection with Swisscom, WNC and Ericsson. This is the first 5G NR OTA connection worldwide between devices and a live operator network using 3.5 GHz spectrum, marking an important milestone for the mobile industry in Europe to help enable OEMs and operators to deliver 5G networks and devices in the first half of 2019,” says Cristiano Amon, president, Qualcomm Incorporated.

“In February, we selected the Snapdragon X50 5G NR modem family for our 3GPP-compliant 5G NR device product launches in 2019. Today is the next step in accelerating 5G market development. WNC is proud to be here today, with our partners at Qualcomm Technologies, Swisscom and Ericsson on this momentous occasion for the industry,” says Jeffrey Gau, chief executive officer, WNC.

Arun Bansal, President and Head of Europe and Latin America at Ericsson, says, “A high-performing 5G network is crucial for launching 5G services. Together with Qualcomm Technologies and WNC, Ericsson will continue to drive commercial readiness of the 5G ecosystem – now with the benefit of available 5G devices – and support Swisscom in successfully launching its 5G network.”

5G is set to bring connectivity to devices in a way never seen before, enhancing the mobile experience to meet users’ connectivity expectations today. Qualcomm Technologies continues to be a mobile industry leader in 5G and this live demonstration is an important milestone on the path to make 5G NR a commercial reality. 5G networks and mobile devices will arrive in Europe in 2019, thanks largely to Qualcomm Technologies, Swisscom, WNC and Ericsson.

About Qualcomm
Qualcomm invents breakthrough technologies that transform how the world computes, connects and communicates. When we connected the phone to the Internet, the mobile revolution was born. Today, our inventions are the foundation for life-changing products, experiences, and industries. As we lead the world to 5G, we envision this next big change in cellular technology spurring a new era of intelligent, connected devices and enabling new opportunities in connected cars, remote delivery of health care services, and the IoT — including smart cities, smart homes, and wearables. Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, all of our engineering, research and development functions, and all of our products and services businesses, including, the QCT semiconductor business. For more information, visit http://www.qualcomm.com/.

About Swisscom
Swisscom is Switzerland’s leading telecoms company and one of its leading IT providers. It has been known worldwide as being in forefront and being cutting-edge in adapting new technologies. Its mobile networks are renown for being best in class. It is 51% Confederation-owned and is one of Switzerland’s most sustainable and innovative companies. For more information, visit https://www.swisscom.ch/en/about/company/portrait.html

About WNC
Wistron NeWeb Corporation (WNC) specializes in the design and development of cutting-edge communication products. WNC’s technical expertise ranges across applications from broadband, broadcasting, multimedia, and the IoT to wireline and wireless communications, with product scope covering solutions in network communications, digital home products, satellite broadcasting, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). For more information, visit http://www.wnc.com.tw/.

About Ericsson
Ericsson enables communications service providers to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans Networks, Digital Services, Managed Services, and Emerging Business and is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s investments in innovation have delivered the benefits of telephony and mobile broadband to billions of people around the world. For more information, visit www.ericsson.com.