Nokia and TPG launch 5G SA 700 MHz service

Nokia and TPG Telecom have switched on a live 5G standalone (SA) network in Australia on the 700 MHz spectrum band — the first time this is said to have happened in the world.

Low-band 5G coverage at 700 MHz, which is the lowest 5G frequency band deployed in Australia with the largest range, will enable TPG Telecom to provide wide outdoor 5G services, as well as deep indoor 5G coverage in urban and suburban areas, to its customers.

Under the partnership, Nokia is supplying equipment from its latest ReefShark-based AirScale product range, including its triple-band remote radio unit that supports 700, 850 and 900 MHz bands. The unit also supports 3G, 4G and 5G simultaneously across all TPG Telecom’s low-band frequencies. TPG Telecom’s 5G SA service is now successfully activated in parts of Sydney and this means that the operator’s customers will benefit from having 5G available in more places.

Low-band 5G goes further outdoors and deeper into buildings than existing 5G deployments, and will allow operators like TPG Telecom to bring 5G to even more customers.

Barry Kezik, Executive General Manager Mobile and Fixed Networks at TPG Telecom, said the company aims to reach 85% of the population in Australia’s top six cities by the end of the year.

“We have a longstanding partnership with TPG Telecom, and we have jointly developed our unique triple-band radio solution specifically for them,” said Dr Robert Joyce, Chief Technology Officer at Nokia Oceania.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Blue Planet Studio