Ericsson and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) have achieved a peak throughput of 1Gbps over an 11.18 kilometre distance using the 28GHz (milliemetre wave) 5G spectrum from a radio antenna in Butterworth, Penang, to a point off the island in Malaysia.
According to the joint statement, the exercise shows the ability of mmWave with Ericsson’s extended-range software to deliver cost-effective internet connectivity via fixed wireless access (FWA) in areas where deploying wired connections is not always economically feasible. Meanwhile, local mobile operators will also be able to provide better and wider connectivity to more consumers and enterprises using FWA solutions within the existing 5G coverage areas.
The mmWave frequency, while capable of delivering extremely fast speeds, high bandwidth and low latency, has seen limited use due to its inability to cover extended distances compared to the mid-band spectrum (3.5GHz in Malaysia).
