Performed at the TIM laboratories based in Turin, the first over-the-air connection trials were compliant with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G New Radio Release 15 specifications, featuring Ericsson technology that uses massive multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) solutions.

The test employed a smartphone based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X50 5G chipset, the first such use in Italy. This chipset will be employed in some of the first 5G smartphones available on the market in 2019.

For these latest 5G transmission trials, the prototype 5G device was connected to the TIM network using a portion of the 3.4–3.8-GHz frequency band. This band was assigned to the operator following a recent spectrum auction conducted by the Italian Ministry for Economic Development.

This demonstration was a primary step toward the implementation of 5G in Italy to benefit TIM customers.

TIM continues to consolidate its strengths in the Italian mobile communications industry through the recent acquisition of new frequency bands, a fundamental asset for developing future 5G services that will revolutionize the lives of citizens, consumers, and businesses.

5G is expected to usher in an era where everything will be smarter and more connected, from public safety to transport and from environmental monitoring to health, tourism, and culture, including applications in the fields of media, education, and virtual reality (VR).

Full article: IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine, Volume 14, Number 2, June 2019

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