Network capacity planning to increase bandwidth in China
As China Unicom's strategic partner, Ericsson is providing the technology behind China's first Gigabit LTE network. Ericsson’s Radio Dot System is allowing consumers and industry to take the first step towards 5G.
The Challenge: Provide consumers and industry faster network service
China Unicom are working to expand network capacity for both consumers and industrial customers. They need to get the most from their existing 4G/LTE network and help clients transition smoothly to 5G technology.
4G/LTE has created an unprecedented mobile Internet era. Emerging applications like 4K video, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), autonomous driving will put even higher demands on the network. To achieve the incredible speeds and performance required for these applications, China Unicom is using Ericsson’s Radio Dot System.
The Solution: Gigabit LTE from Ericsson
Building on their ongoing partnership, China Unicom worked with Ericsson as strategic partner and sole tech provider for a commercial Gigabit LTE network, launched in August of 2017.
Gigabit LTE technolony is a milstone on the journey to 5G and will support a smooth migration from 4G to 5G. The network upgraded from Ericsson will not only help China Unicom enhance customer satisfaction, it will also make full use of network resources and improve profitability.
Delivering high speeds on the road to 5G
As part China Unicom’s Gigabit LTE network launch in August 2017, passengers onboard the Hainan Island high-speed train were able to watch the kickoff ceremony via LTE broadcast technology and the wireless network.
To prove prowess of the high-speed network, passengers on the train were invited to join in a virtual reality video experience. Using a Samsung Galaxy S8 (the first phone to run on Gigabit LTE) gigabit network speeds were recorded.
Ericsson supported China Unicom with eMBMS in the high-speed train scenario, allowing passengers could enjoy high-definition video without buffering on the network. This was China's first LTE broadcast commercial deployment, serving as an example of how address growing consumer demand for media services.
Enabled by the combination of three new standards: eMBMS, HEVC (H.265) and MPEG DAS, Ericsson’s LTE broadcast solution will revolutionize video delivery in mobile networks, and accelerate the development of China Unicom’s video strategy.
"The Gigabit LTE network onboard the train is perfect combination of thrilling speeds, both physical and virtual."
Chris Houghton, Head of Market Area North East Asia, Ericsson
The Result: Greater bandwidth for the 5G transformation
Ericsson has helped expand wireless network bandwidth capacity for the future of wireless Internet business provides a great room for expansion. China Unicom is designing the 1Gbps LTE network construction guideline, will start commercial network in end of this year, or earlier next year.
Ericsson supported China Unicom in setting up a 1Gbps network in Guangdong, Hainan, Shandong, and Beijing with peak speeds of up to 9795Mbps. There are more ongoing 1Gbps trials in Sichuan, Hubei, Shanxi, Jilin and Jiangsu province.
"This remarkable achievement will fulfill our strategy to offer the most advanced services to individuals and enterprises."
Hao Liqian, General Manager, Hainan branch, China Unicom
