Digitalization is continuing unabated: according to estimates, there will be more than 20 billion connected devices by 2020. Against this backdrop, the underlying technological infrastructure plays a pivotal role as it enables transmission rates of one gigabit per second.

5G Network Enables Real-Time Mobile Applications

This relates less to messenger services and video downloads but rather to industrial applications such as the 'Internet of Things' or Virtual Reality, where ultrafast transmission speeds, extremely low latency and highest reliability represent a basic precondition and a key factor for future success. First 5G tests are currently underway across the globe and Europe, Asia and the USA are competing to gain a position of supremacy.

Current developments, for instance, in the area of robotics and autonomous cars place high demands on mobile communications in terms of object interactions, which 4G technologies (the currently available mobile standard) are not designed to fulfill.

'An important objective for 5G networks is the minimization of latency or response time to allow for real-time applications. Response time for the exchange of information between autonomous vehicles or for haptic interactions with robots should be within the millisecond range,' said Marcus Grausam, CTO at A1.

Besides, the exchange of information among numerous moving objects in a comparably small space gives rise to large data volumes within a short time frame. Therefore, an additional criterion for the development of 5G is the vailability of higher multi-gigabit per second data rates in a mobile network cell.

A1, the Austrian subsidiary of the Telekom Austria Group, and technology partner Nokia, have presented for the first time in Austria a live demonstration of the current degree of development and vision for 5G, the fifth generation of mobile communications.

5G as a Basis for Extensive Digitalization

Markus Borchert, Head of the Market Region Europe at Nokia, stresses the importance of technology: '5G is far more than a fast wireless network. 5G provides an important basis for the megatrend digitalization, which permeates nearly all business sectors and spheres of life. Connected mobility, autonomous
driving, digital medicine and intelligent factories would not be possible without 5G. In order to test new technologies, applications and business models, ecosystems are imperative. Thus, Nokia is not only playing a leading role in the research and standardization of 5G but is also committed to investing in the realization of these ecosystems, so that everyone will be able to profit from it, when 5G becomes a part of everyday life in about four years´ time'.

5G Networks Will Be Available Starting From 2020; However, Corresponding Preparations Are Necessary already Today

The Telekom Austria Group joined the Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance already in November 2014, with a view to playing an active role in the standardization of 5G networks. The NGMN-Alliance is an international partnership of mobile operators, manufactures and research institutes. It promotes and steers the development of future mobile broadband technologies with a focus on 5G.

As a leading network operator in Austria and an important player in Europe, the Telekom Austria Group is taking account of the technological developments currently underway by engaging in a multi-million investment program for network rollout and the further development of the necessary network technologies.

Besides, the company is also laying the foundations for 5G in the A1 fixed-line network: 5G mobile stations will require powerful connections to the company's fiber-optic network. A1 has been radually expanding this network cross Austria for several years and has already set up numerous access points.

Telekom Austria AG issued this content on 11 March 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 11 March 2016 12:23:19 UTC

Original Document: http://www.telekomaustria.com/en/newsroom/2016-3-11-austrian-subsidiary-a1-and-nokia-present-austrias-first-live-5g-show-case