Ericsson announces 5G forwards compatibility

Ericsson has stated that products from its Radio System radio access network installed post-2015 will be able to run 5G NR (new radio). This functionality will be achieved through remote software installation.

According to the company, there are 150 different radio variants in the system, active in over 190 networks around the world. Hardware such as the company’s micro radios will also be 5G ready.

Ericsson executive vice president and head of business area networks Fredrik Jejdling said: “We have a long history of strong backwards compatibility and our products and software are built for evolution. Investments in Ericsson Radio System since 2015 will continue to bring operators value when the time is right to transition to 5G.”

The software upgrade will also enable users to run 4G and 5G in the same band, with the same radio and the same baseband. It will also be possible to share the spectrum between 4G and 5G, with side-by-side carriers in the same band.

According to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, global 5G subscriptions will reach one billion by the end of 2023.