Samsung and Verizon get success to optimize 5G performance on C-band spectrum

Verizon and Samsung recently completed a fully integrated 5G data session with a C-band spectrum in the live network area. A new milestone has been reached in preparation for its upcoming 5G Ultra Wideband expansion using its newly acquired C Band.

The trial, conducted on the Verizon network (using the C-band Special Temporary Authority provided by Verizon by the FCC) in Texas, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, used Samsung’s fully integrated RAN (vRAN) solution in its software stack and C-band 64T64R Massive MIMO Radio in collaboration and the backbone of Verizon.

Virtualization is critical to the delivery of the promised services through advanced 5G networks. Key 5G usage cases such as large IoT solutions, robust consumer devices and solutions, AR/VR, remote healthcare, independent robots in production facilities, and standard city solutions, will largely depend on the design of virtual networks.

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These technologies enable Verizon to respond more quickly to a variety of customer and computer needs. Virtualization will also reduce the barrier to entry for new vendors in the ecosystem. New entrants will speed up design, reduce operating costs, and lay the foundation for a flexible network and cloud infrastructure close to the customer, ultimately leading to one-millisecond digital capture.

Massive MIMO is an evolution antenna configuration that uses a high number of transmitters that simplify the signal paths between the device and the cell tower.

Today’s milestone follows Samsung’s recent announcement to expand its vRAN capabilities to support mid-band Massive MIMO – the first in the industry. Samsung’s C-band Massive MIMO radio is part of the full C-band portfolio.

Verizon and Samsung on Track To Deliver 5G Over C-band

This virtualization work comes on the heels of other work to speed the expansion of 5G Ultra Wideband service using C-band spectrum including:

• Successful trials integrating C-band with mmWave licensed spectrum,
• Securing new agreements with Verizon’s tower partners, which provide for process improvements including standardizing and reducing forms and minimizing legal reviews, and…
• Installation of C-band equipment.

In the first quarter of 2022, Verizon expects to use the new 5G C-band spectrum in the first 46 markets and provide 5G Ultra Wideband service to 100 million people.

Over 2022 and 2023, coverage is expected to rise to more than 175 million people and by 2024 and above, when the remaining C-band spectrum is removed, more than 250 million people are expected to receive Verizon’s -5G for Ultra-Wideband in C-band band.