Samsung has announced that it has teamed up with Fastweb to launch Italy’s first 5G Fixed Wireless Access trial.
The trial will take place in Italy over the next five months, it is being run in homes and offices in Milan.
In the first week of the trial – held on 26GHz of spectrum recently acquired by Fastweb during Italy’s 5G frequencies auction in October 2018 – download speeds reached 1 Gbps. The next steps of the trial will verify the effectiveness of 5G FWA networks concerning the cost and time for its deployment compared to conventional FTTH roll-out as well as potential operational challenges in the provision of the service to the end customers.
Samsung supplies Fastweb with an end-to-end 5G FWA solution that includes core, 5G Radio Access Units that leverages millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum to provide high-density coverage and ultra-high-bandwidth connectivity to 5G home routers (Indoor Customer Premise Equipment), installed in nearby homes or offices.
Benefits of 5G Fixed Wireless Access
The introduction of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is set to revolutionize the way we connect to the internet. One of the primary benefits of 5G FWA is its ability to deliver ultra-fast internet speeds without the need for extensive physical infrastructure. Traditional fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) installations require significant time and financial investment to lay down cables and connect individual homes. In contrast, 5G FWA can provide similar, if not superior, speeds using wireless technology, thereby reducing both deployment time and costs.
Moreover, 5G FWA offers greater flexibility and scalability. As demand for high-speed internet grows, service providers can quickly expand their coverage areas by adding more 5G Radio Access Units. This is particularly beneficial in rural or underserved areas where laying fiber cables may not be economically viable. Additionally, 5G FWA can support a wide range of applications, from streaming high-definition video to enabling smart home devices, making it a versatile solution for modern connectivity needs.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the potential of 5G FWA is immense, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the primary concerns is the availability of spectrum. The 26GHz spectrum used in the trial is part of the millimeter wave (mmWave) band, which offers high bandwidth but has limited range and penetration capabilities. This means that more base stations are required to cover a given area, which could increase deployment costs.
Another challenge is ensuring consistent performance in various environmental conditions. Factors such as weather, physical obstructions, and network congestion can impact the quality of the 5G FWA service. Therefore, ongoing trials like the one in Milan are crucial for identifying and mitigating these issues.
Despite these challenges, the future prospects for 5G FWA are promising. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect improvements in both the hardware and software components of 5G networks. For instance, advancements in beamforming and massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technologies can enhance signal strength and coverage, making 5G FWA a more robust solution.
Furthermore, the collaboration between industry leaders like Samsung and Fastweb sets a precedent for future partnerships aimed at accelerating the adoption of 5G technology. By pooling resources and expertise, these companies can drive innovation and bring high-speed internet access to more people around the world.
You can find out more details about Samsung’s new 5G Fixed Wireless Access trial in Italy over at their website at the link below.
Source Samsung
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