By Ifeoma Asika, Correspondent Campuses
Ericsson technology is powering Vodafone UK’s just-launched Standalone 5G network at Coventry University, the first live Standalone 5G network in the UK.
The Standalone 5G network will be used to trial virtual reality learning to support training for student nurses and allied health professionals.
Ericsson partnered with Qualcomm, MediaTek and OPPO to provide the network to Vodafone.
Ericsson 5G Radio Dot small cells have also been installed to provide speedy and high-capacity indoor coverage in the university’s Disruptive Media Learning Lab and National Transport Design Centre.
President and Head of Europe and Latin America, Ericsson, Arun Bansal says: “Standalone networks are central to the promise of 5G to reimagine society, the economy and industries. We’re proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in partnership with Vodafone. This launch is another example of Ericsson’s 5G technology leadership.”
Coventry University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Latham CBE says: “This will help us continue to change and enhance the way students learn. Being the first university in the UK to have this next phase of 5G technology is the first step on our journey to creating a 5G campus.”
Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone UK, Scott Petty says: “5G today is all about capacity and increased speeds. It’s giving people the best mobile experience ever, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg of what 5G can do.”
Senior Director of Carrier Product, OPPO, Xia Yang says: “We believe in a future of intelligent connectivity and 5G is the backbone of that vision. We are glad to achieve this milestone with Ericsson and Vodafone UK and will continue our endeavor to bring the best products and services to Europe and beyond.”
Vodafone’s announcement of the 5G Standalone network comes one year to the day after it launched commercial 5G in the UK.
