Singtel and Ericsson to launch Singapore's first 5G network by end of 2018

Singapore's foremost IT hub will host the country's first 5G pilot by the end of the year in an initiative driven by Singtel and Ericsson.

Announced as part of the “Bringing 5G to Life” event held at Singtel Comcentre on Monday, the pilot will take place at the 'one-north' business zone in Queenstown and will see drone and autonomous vehicle technologies tested on the advanced network.

Using Ericsson’s 3GPP standards compliant 5G technology with the trial spectrum allocated by Info-Communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), the pilot network can deliver 5G coverage with enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) speed and low latency communication.

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"5G has the potential to accelerate the digital transformation of industries, as well as empower consumers with innovative applications," said Mark Chong, Group Chief Technology Officer at Singtel. "We are pleased to take another bold step in our journey to 5G with our 5G pilot network at one-north and invite enterprises to start shaping their digital future with us."

Martin Wiktorin, Country Manager for Ericsson Singapore, Brunei & the Philippines, added: "5G represents a key mobile technology evolution, opening up new possibilities and applications. We believe that 5G will play a key role in the digital transformation of the Singapore economy. Demonstrating the possibilities in this showcase event will be a catalyst for engagements with Singapore enterprises."

The event is a key milestone achieved by Singtel and Ericsson’s 5G Centre of Excellence programme, which was established in 2017 to facilitate the development and deployment of 5G across Singapore. The programme features four main pillars: upgrading of employees’ skills, technology demonstrations, live field trials and collaborations with tertiary institutions.