Telefónica Deutschland and Samsung test 5G Fixed Wireless Access in Germany

Specifically, Samsung will support the set-up of the trial with a complete end-to-end millimeter wave (26 GHz) solution. The combination of newly developed hardware technology with special software enables fast transfer rates of several Gigabits per second across the so-called “last mile.” Essentially, the technology consists of the following components: A virtual core and a 5G radio access unit on the part of Telefónica, and 5G outdoor-units and indoor routers for the customers. With this trial, Telefónica and Samsung are road-testing an attractive alternative to current technologies in Germany. The aim of the trial is to show that households and businesses can be supplied with high-quality Gigabit connections for an optimal customer experience without the need for laying of fiber-optic cables.

“For the first time, Telefónica Deutschland and Samsung are working hand in hand in Germany on the introduction of 5G in connection with FWA,” says Cayetano Carbajo Martín, CTO of Telefónica Deutschland. “At Telefónica Deutschland, we are confident that this trial will not only demonstrate the technical feasibility of Fixed Wireless Access in Germany, but will also provide a better network experience with regard to future technologies.” “5G FWA is a promising, fast-to-market and cost-effective way to bring Giga-speed broadband to people across the country, and a viable alternative where fiber deployment is not feasible,” says GY Seo, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Sales & Marketing Team, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are pleased to work with Telefónica in delivering its first 5G FWA trial. This partnership allows us to respond to user demands and explore compelling connected service opportunities in Germany.”