Ericsson first with key 5G advances

• Innovative 5G radio test bed delivers 5G-LTE Dual Connectivity and  5G Multipoint Connectivity
  
• Groundbreaking demonstrations will support drive towards 5G commercialization in 2020
  
• Live 5G demonstrations to be featured at Mobile World Congress 2015

With 5G standards not yet established and commercialized networks expected in 2020, Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) is already demonstrating fundamental 5G functionality that will be critical to enabling widespread adoption for both consumer and machine-type communications (MTC).  Following on impressive speed test results, where the Ericsson 5G radio test bed topped 5 Gbps throughput, two new technology milestones have been demonstrated, and will be featured at MWC 2015:  5G-LTE Dual Connectivity and 5G Multipoint Connectivity.

Ericsson's latest 5G radio test bed innovations focus on the interactions between mobile devices and the radio access network, both indoors and outside, and include:

• 5G-LTE Dual Connectivity:  The 5G mobile device moves between LTE and 5G radio access coverage areas, establishing simultaneous connections with both networks before seamlessly handing over.  5G-LTE Dual Connectivity will enable 5G networks to provide multi-standard and multi-band support in both devices and radio access.
• 5G Multipoint Connectivity:  The 5G mobile device connects to two 5G base stations simultaneously, improving bit rate performance through multiple downlink streams, as well as signal strength and resilience.  5G Multipoint Connectivity will be key to supporting multi-layer networks consisting of both macro and small cell coverage.

Ken Rehbehn, Principal Analyst at 451 Research, visited Ericsson's 5G radio test bed in January and says: "With plans for high data rates, low latency and extraordinary device scale, 5G is a critical next step in mobile radio technology. Having the opportunity to visit Ericsson and see the company's 5G efforts coming to fruition boosts confidence that industry players are tackling this important challenge with energy and imagination."

5G will impact the entire mobile network and associated eco-system, from devices to radio access, IP core and into the cloud.  From a radio access perspective, 5G will encompass an evolution of today's LTE technology and the addition of new radio access technologies, often in higher frequencies. Tight interworking between different frequency bands, technology standards and network layers will be critical to ensuring seamless connectivity for billions of connected devices, machines and things, supporting consumer, business and industrial applications.

Arun Bansal, Senior Vice President, Head of Business Unit Radio, Ericsson, says: "The Ericsson 5G radio test bed is where innovation meets implementation.  It certainly is a reflection of our commitment to 5G technology leadership but it's also where we test and expand the limits of how mobility will transform society." 

Ericsson's 5G radio test bed, including both 5G devices and 5G radio base stations operating at in the high frequency 15 GHz band, and technology demonstrations will be featured in the Ericsson stand at MWC 2015 in Hall 2, Stand 2N60.
 
Ericsson at Mobile World Congress 2015
During Mobile World Congress 2015 in Barcelona, Spain, Ericsson is showing world-leading technology, service capabilities, and innovations. The Networked Society is transforming entire industries. ICT tools have become fundamental everyday resources for businesses, people and society. We lead the way with hardware, services and software solutions that drive development in mobility, broadband and cloud, creating the foundation for new eco-systems, and transformation across industries. The change that transformation brings is in the hands of everyone. That is why we at Mobile World Congress this year will talk about how we enable change-makers in the Networked Society to advance digital experiences.

You can find us at MWC in Hall 2, Stand 2N60. Follow us during the event using @Ericsson and join the discussion using #MWC15. Insights from our experts and Networked Society evangelists are also published on our blog during the event.

5G - LTE Dual Connectivity Live Demonstration Video
5G Media Kit
White Paper 5G radio access - technology and capabilities

Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at www.ericsson.com/press

Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society - a world leader in communications technology and services. Our long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, business and society to fulfill their potential and create a more sustainable future.

Our services, software and infrastructure - especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud - are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities.

With approximately 115,000 professionals and customers in 180 countries, we combine global scale with technology and services leadership. We support networks that connect more than 2.5 billion subscribers. Forty percent of the world's mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks. And our investments in research and development ensure that our solutions - and our customers - stay in front.

Founded in 1876, Ericsson has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Net sales in 2014 were SEK 228.0 billion (USD 33.1 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York.

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