KPN tests 5G network between multiple locations in the Netherlands

KPN has tested the 5G network between multiple locations in the Netherlands. Phonecalls, video calls and data sessions were conducted from the latest 5G smartphones between the 5G indoor network in the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, the 5G FieldLab in the Port of Rotterdam and the Technology Lab of KPN in The Hague. KPN made use of the 3.5 GHz spectrum band.

With this, KPN is taking the next step in the technical preparation of its mobile network for 5G.

During the tests, the newest smartphones that support 5G - a Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, the Huawei Mate 20 X and an Oppo Reno 5G - were connected to KPN's 5G test network throughout the Netherlands. A 10 GBps transmission network was used for the connection and a download speed of 1.3 Gbps was achieved with one of the smartphones.

It shows that with 5G the capacity increases further and very high speeds can be achieved. With the arrival of 5G, shorter response times (latency) and more precision will also become available in the mobile network. As a result, these aspects drive many new applications and enable the mobile network to support the increasing use of video applications, including Augmented and Virtual Reality.

“KPN is gradually making its mobile network technically ready for 5G. In addition, we also extensively test the latest radio technology and antennas and we also use 5G frequencies in combination with the latest smartphones, ”said Babak Fouladi, Chief Technology & Digital Officer at KPN. “At least as important and distinctive is the way in which we have gained more than two years of experience with customers and partners in five different 5G FieldLabs. As KPN, we will continue to do so in the coming period, because in addition to testing the technology, 5G is primarily about testing the added value of 5G applications. Thanks to 5G, endless new opportunities are created for consumers, and in particular for the business community. We think that 5G is an essential catalyst for the further digitization of Dutch society."

Tests with 700MHz , 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz

For the 5G tests, KPN will use the three 5G frequency bands that will be available first in Europe: The 700 MHz band that will be available in the Netherlands after the frequency auction in 2020 for 5G, the 3.5 GHz band that is expected to be available from 2022 and the 26 GHz band for which it is not yet known when it will become available in the Netherlands.

Since the beginning of October, KPN has started testing nationwide 5G at 700 MHz and will be testing soon with the first available handsets that use this frequency band. In the past year, KPN has already gained extensive experience with the 700 MHz spectrum in the 5G FieldLab in Rotterdam. Various applications were tested in Rotterdam with which industrial production processes can be further optimized. KPN will soon also carry out tests with 26 GHz spectrum in Amsterdam.

5G FieldLabs

Since the beginning of 2017, KPN has been exploring the added value of 5G with customers and technology partners in various locations in the Netherlands. KPN has set up its own 5G Field Labs in Amsterdam Southeast, the Port of Rotterdam, Drenthe and Helmond. In these 5G FieldLabs KPN investigates how 5G can optimize and digitize business processes and improve the customer experience.

It is also being investigated how this new network technology, in combination with developments such as artificial intelligence, drones and virtual reality, can be used for numerous smart applications. In addition, KPN is launching partner of 5Groningen, the 5G testlab in Groningen, the Netherlands.