The 5G hits keep coming. Samsung Electronics announced a successful 5G New Radio (NR) data connection with Verizon and Qualcomm that used 400 MHz of bandwidth in the 28 GHz band, resulting in a max throughput of more than 1.7 Gbps.
The test involved a smartphone form-factor mobile device, with a focus on how users can experience a virtually seamless, uninterrupted data transmission using the 3GPP 5G NR specification and dual connectivity, known as EN-DC. According to the press release, EN-DC refers to Evolved-Universal Terrestrial Radio Access-New Radio, which was introduced in 3GPP Release 15, and includes E-UTRA NR Dual Connectivity.
The companies say the test spotlights a rapid, stable and effective path to commercial 5G service using a Non-Standalone (NSA) mode of operation with dual connectivity that takes advantage of both 5G and LTE.
The smartphone form-factor test device was equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X50 5G modem and antenna modules with integrated RF transceiver, RF front-end and antenna elements. The tests occurred in Qualcomm’s labs in San Diego.
“Successful interoperation of multiple network technologies takes us another step closer to the commercialization of 5G mobility services,” said Woojune Kim, senior vice president and head of North American Business at Samsung Electronics’ Networks Business, in a statement. “We are proud to join with Verizon and Qualcomm Technologies to spotlight the next steps driving network evolution. The use of substantial mmWave spectrum and EN-DC demonstrates how a seamless 5G/LTE approach succeeds in delivering high-speed, high-capacity mobility on next generation networks.”
The 5G NR demo follows a recent announcement from Verizon of the company’s first data transmission on a 5G-upgradeable smartphone (moto z3) using a commercial 5G network in Providence, Rhode Island. That transmission used Samsung’s 5G NR solutions and a Snapdragon X50 5G modem.
@Verizon's Nicki Palmer making the first #5G to 5G video call using prototype 5G smartphone from @Samsung. pic.twitter.com/HUrPb0QWq7
— Kevin King (@kvnhkng) December 4, 2018
Interestingly, Verizon’s Nicki Palmer used some of her time on stage at the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit in Maui on Tuesday to give props to 4G LTE. The chief engineering officer and head of Wireless Networks at Verizon said 4G still has a lot of innovation happening now and into the future.
“You’re not going to get a great 5G network without the best 4G network, so keep that in mind,” she said.
RELATED: Qualcomm unveils 5G mobile platform, Snapdragon 855
Also at the Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm took the opportunity to announce its next flagship, the Snapdragon 855 Mobile Platform, which it bills as the first commercial 5G mobile platform. The 855 promises to deliver highly intuitive on-device AI experiences and features Computer Vision technology to enable cutting-edge computational photography and video-capture capabilities. It also has a 3D Sonic Sensor for fingerprint identity purposes, accurately detecting fingerprints even in the presence of numerous contaminants.