The Netherlands’ VodafoneZiggo has launched a 5G base station connected to its existing mobile network in Maastricht utilising a 3.5GHz test frequency permit, in partnership with Ericsson. The announcement on the operator’s website said that the purpose of the 5G base station in Maastricht is to gain experience in integrating 5G technology with the commercial network before expanding 5G pilot activities to Eindhoven in autumn 2019, also using a 3.5GHz test band.
Matthias Sauder, director of mobile networks at VodafoneZiggo, confirmed: ‘This base station in Maastricht is outside, works “live” in the Dutch operational network and uses the 3.5GHz test frequency. With a 5G device near this base station, we can now actually transfer data over a 5G connection in the network.’