O2 Slovakia has launched a commercial pilot of its 5G network, at four locations in the capital city. The 5G network works in Bratislava neighbourhoods Petrzalka, Dubravka, Ruzinov and Karlova Ves.
The operator is testing 5G technology from Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei and ZTE, using spectrum it already owns. It wants customers to try out the network as part of the ongoing tender to select a nationwide network equipment supplier for 5G.
A part of the 1,800 MHz band and the upper part of the 3.5-3.7 GHz band are used for the pilot networks. Peak download speeds have reached 1,223 Mbps, and uploads reach around 90 Mbps.
The operator offers nine models of 5G smartphones: the Motorola G5G Plus, Motorola edge plus, ZTE Axon 11 5G, Huawei P40 Pro 5G, Huawei P40 5G, Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G, Huawei Mate 20X 5G, Xiaomi Mi10 and Xiaomi Mi10 Pro. The Xiaomi Mi 10T and Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro will be available soon.
O2 noted that not all 5G devices on the market will work with its network. The pilot will be limited to a few hundred customers to start.
