Using this new antenna technology customers with 5G smartphones and LTE/4G smartphones will benefit from the expanded mobile communications and using one cellular antenna effectively brings two networks to the customer.
"We are building 5G smarter so that even more customers benefit: no matter whether they use a 5G smartphone or an LTE cell phone. For the first time, we are bringing two networks to our customers with one antenna,” said Gerhard Mack, CTO of Vodafone Germany.
Dynamic spectrum sharing enables further network reach across the country and particularly deep into users’ homes for better reception and service.
"We bring 5G to the surface - and at the same time even better 4G. With a network that spans far into the country and deep into the houses. A technology that uses two antennas to serve two mobile radio generations at once. And for millions of people this year,” said Hannes Ametsreiter (pictured), CEO of Vodafone Germany.
“We are building the network for connected driving, for even more reception in the home office and for finally more speed in the country too. This is how we create the right mix between bandwidth and reach for Germany."
The new service has been deployed in Berge (Meschede) in the Hochsauerland region of Germany in collaboration with technology vendor Ericsson.
Vodafone has also activated the far reaching 5G network in the Hochsauerland district in Brilon, Olsberg, Bad Wünnenberg and Bad Fredeburg.
A 700MHz mobile station delivers a 5G area of around 20 sq km, which is five times more than a 3.5GHz mobile station can supply with 5G.
Vodafone has already activated more than 8,000 antennas at 2,800 locations for 5G via the 700MHz frequencies this year, bringing the network to an area of more than 60,000 sq km.
Speaking on the importance of this new network reach for the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) economy, Dr Andreas Pinkwart, Economics and Digital Minister said:
“5G is the key that we want to use to drive digital transformation in business and society. It is important to supply rural regions as early as possible, because there are many highly innovative medium-sized companies here.”
“I am particularly pleased that the mobile phone and 5G expansion is also reaching parts of South Westphalia in these days where there were still LTE coverage gaps. Every closed white spot helps people and companies on site.”
