Telefonica will be testing the viability of using 5G fixed wireless access technology as an alternative to fibre as part of its recently-announced 5G pilot projects in Galicia, reports ADSL Zone. The tests will be conducted in underserved rural areas of the Vigo province with a view to expanding the company’s network and reducing the digital divide. Telefonica already offers convergent packages including TV and 20Mbps broadband access via 3G and 4G networks but will be using the 3.5 and 26GHz bands to bring its Movistar Fusion Radio service to remote parts of Vigo during the trials, said the report.
The 5G pilot projects conducted in Galicia over the next 2 years include assisted driving trials and the production of sporting events at Deportivo La Coruna’s Riazor stadium. Telefonica said it will be investing EUR 14.2 million, including EUR 4.6 million from Red.es, for the trials run in partnership with Ericsson, Nokia, Telnet and others.
