TIM is switching on its 5G network in Italy and has chosen Ericsson 5G commercial hardware, software and solutions, including radio access network (RAN) and core network, for the initial deployment of the new technology.
Italian operator has already gone live with commercial 5G in Rome, Turin and Naples with services for users, families, and companies. The company has also launched the first commercial offers for consumer and business customers and has entered into partnership with handset device makers Samsung, Xiaomi and Oppo to enable an immediate use of the new-generation network. TIM will also offer 5G roaming in six countries, starting this month in Austria, Great Britain and Switzerland and then extended to Spain, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.
TIM rolled out its 5G network on 3.6-3.8 GHz mid-band. In this initial phase TIM is deploying Ericsson’s 3GPP standards-based Non-Standalone 5G portfolio from Ericsson Radio System, supported through a software upgrade of their existing Ericsson core network. Built on top of TIM’s 4G network, the enhanced mobile broadband capabilities will enable customers to connect to both 4G and 5G simultaneously. Ericsson has provided TIM with Massive MIMO radios from its mid-band portfolio.
“TIM is launching the digital transformation of the country with 5G, through the progressive roll-out of the new technology in major cities and industrial districts. Thanks to the collaboration with Ericsson, we are creating a clear roadmap and building a robust ecosystem that will enable us to maximize the potential of 5G,“ Elisabetta Romano, CTIO, TIM, said.
“We are excited to support the launch one of the fastest mid-band 5G networks in the world. We have been working in close partnership with TIM on 5G for tests in the lab, research projects, field trials, and now initial commercial deployment. The introduction of 5G will create a powerful platform for innovation. Using 5G, new use cases benefitting society, consumers and enterprises will be created,“ said Emanuele Iannetti, Head of Ericsson Italy.
Ericsson and TIM have conducted several 5G trials in recent years, reaching important milestones. The companies started their 5G collaboration with the 5G for Italy program in 2016, aimed at creating an open ecosystem for research and implementing innovative projects enabled by 5G, and accelerating the country’s digitalization.
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