Swisscom plans to launch a 5G network at the end of 2018, two years earlier than originally expected. Ericsson, Swisscom’s network equipment supplier, will deliver the first 5G hardware and software and implement it on the Swisscom mobile network this year. The company will shortly be trialing Switzerland’s first 5G mast in Ittigen, but the development of an extensive and fully efficient 5G network is dependent on a moderate amendment of regulatory parameters.
The main benefits of 5G for customers include faster speeds, higher capacities and shorter response times. It also brings 5G applications like network slicing within reach. Experts expect great things of its use in machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, Swisscom said.
Despite being subject to the most rigorous Ordinance on Protection from Non-ionising Radiation (ONIR) limits in Europe, Swiss mobile networks are among the world's best, according to the operator. However, efficient use and development of extensive, fully effective, new-generation networks hinges on the amendment of the ONIR ordinance and a change in measurement procedures. Thus, in January, Economiesuisse and EY teamed up with the mobile communication industry to evaluate the 5G situation and came to the conclusion that the statutory framework conditions need to be brought into line.
In the summer of 2016 Swisscom, Ericsson and EPFL (Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne) launched the "5G for Switzerland" programme to jointly conduct research on the new mobile communication standard. Swisscom has reached a host of 5G test milestones since: in the summer of 2017, Swisscom presented 5G applications like network slicing and speeds of 20 Gbps. Swisscom’s industrial partner, Ypsomed, uses 5G applications in the Industry 4.0 sector.
Swisscom is due to trial the first 5G mast in the middle of March and aims to roll out 5G in the mobile network at selected sites by the end of the year. Given an amendment of the regulatory parameters, extensive coverage can be expected in 2020, the company said.
