Coverage across the network will be provided by Ericsson, leveraging solutions including its Baseband 6630 and Massive MIMO 6488 products, in order to enable 5G on the 3.5GHz frequency. The launch - which took place at rooftop restaurant The Sky Garden - included a ‘virtual demonstration,’ with highlights from the latest Ericsson ConsumerLab Report, titled 5G Consumer Potential.
Speaking of the roll-out, a spokesperson said: “Ericsson Radio System’s unique dynamic spectrum sharing functionality will enable Vodafone to extend 5G coverage over a wide area, leveraging 4G spectrum on existing infrastructure.”
Scott Petty, chief technology officer, Vodafone UK, said: “We are switching on 5G in seven UK cities, including London. Backed by our largest ever investment in the capital and new unlimited data plans, we are enabling Londoners to access an ultra-fast 5G and 4G network without any limits.”
Arun Bansal, president and head of Europe & Latin America, Ericsson, said: “We have a history of working in close partnership with Vodafone, and we have done so again in 5G. Our unique spectrum sharing abilities will also enable Vodafone to extend the scope of 5G in its network.
Five time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton officially switched on the network, with the other cities including Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool. Vodafone’s first rural 5G mast, located on the Isles of Scilly, has also gone live.
