Australian fixed and mobile network operator Telstra and Swedish tech giant Ericsson have announced Australia’s first implementation and validation of 5G Voice over New Radio (VoNR) using Ericsson’s pre-commercial Reduced Capability (RedCap) software on Telstra’s 5G commercial network using a MediaTek RedCap testing device.
The partners tested VoNR voice calling via FDD mobile spectrum at a location in Box Hill, Victoria, and disclosed that the test ‘signalled the start of ongoing testing and validation of this new 5G capability on Telstra’s network’.
Ericsson added: ‘RedCap is a new 5G capability that builds on the industry progress of 4G IoT technologies such as Cat-M and Narrowband-IoT. The new benefits delivered by RedCap include reduced device chipset cost, complexity and power consumption while supporting higher data rates and key 5G service enablers delivered via 5G standalone. This Australian first VoNR call using RedCap on Telstra’s commercial 5G network shows how the new software can enhance the functionality of wearables such as smartwatches. RedCap will also enable a number of new service capabilities such as longer battery life, AR/VR functionality and enhanced video monitoring.’
Nikos Katinakis, Telstra Group Executive for Global Networks & Technology, declared: ‘This evolution of the latest 5G technology capability provides so many more opportunities for intelligent IoT devices to enhance our everyday lives. Using less power and being capable of delivering our customers more value is something that Telstra is incredibly committed to.’
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