Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) with the help of Ericsson, recently achieved a world record distance for Gigabit speeds over Malaysia’s 5G network that will pave the way for high-quality, affordable and high-speed connectivity.
The test, conducted over the 28GHz millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency, achieved a peak throughput of 1Gbps at a record distance of 11.18km from a radio antenna in Butterworth, Penang to a point off the island.
The new distance record is a showcase of the ability of mmWave with the support of Ericsson’s extended-range software to quickly deliver cost-effective, high quality Internet
connectivity solutions via Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) in areas where wired connections
are not always economically feasible.
This paves the way for local mobile network operators (MNOs) to provide better and wider
connectivity to reach more consumers and enterprises as it will allow for the delivery of high
quality, wireless broadband connectivity that is cost effective using Fixed Wireless Access
(FWA) solutions within the existing 5G coverage area.
The mmWave frequency – while capable of delivering extremely fast speeds, high bandwidth and low latency – has seen limited use due to its inability to cover extended distances compared to the mid-band spectrum (3.5GHz in Malaysia). However, thanks to Ericsson’s extended-range software innovation, the mmWave can now be used to support FWA products over longer distances as demonstrated in Penang.
FWA is seen to be a cost-effective alternative to fixed broadband, especially in rural and sub-urban areas where the deployment of fiber is either cost prohibitive, time-consuming or faced with terrain challenges.
It is unknown whether this system will be part of DNB’s 5G network or just a proof-of-concept. Also, we reported that DNB and Ericsson bagged the Glotel Awards for the “Best Vendor 5G Innovation” category recently.
