Bmobile planning to test 5G technology

STATE-OWNED bmobile is planning to test 5G telecommunications technology mid-next year, its chief executive officer Athula Biyanwila announced yesterday.
“In the first quarter of next year, we will work very closely with the National Information Communication Technology Authority (Nicta) because this is a new technology.
“We are required to work closely with Nicta to determine the ideal frequency to use for 5G in Papua New Guinea.
“The frequencies that we are using now are different from what 5G requires.
“The frequencies were ratified last month and Nicta representatives were in Egypt in the ratification of the 5G frequencies.
“So we’ll have to select one of the frequencies that is best suited for this region.
“Once we have the frequency, we will have to work with our long term partner Huawei, to bring in 5G into bmobile.
“We will then work closely with Huawei engineers on how to design the network.
“Obviously, we have to understand the technology and be certain that we select the right technology, the right standardised hardware and software.
“That is going to take us all of Q1 (first quarter).”
Biyanwila was speaking at the pre-launch of the 5G service yesterday.
He said: “Consultations with relevant service providers in the country’s telecommunications industry will be carried out in the first quarter of next year.
“We expect to have a demonstration of the 5G service by end of the first quarter of next year.
“Once we ratified all that with ourselves and Huawei, then we will go on trial.
“So, our hope is with Huawei to ready the trial service by mid-next year.
“That is the plan for the next half year and I am glad to say that Huawei has been a long-time partner in providing technology in PNG.”