In Lviv, mobile operators will test 5G: initial tests of the technology

In the period from September 23 to October 8, the first test trials of 5G technology will take place in Lviv and its suburbs. The National Commission for the Regulation of Electronic Communications and the Radio Frequency Spectrum (NKEK) approved the conduct of these tests at the site at the entrance from the city of Vinniki to Lviv, near Lychakivska Street. This is an important stage on the way to the full launch of 5G in Ukraine.

According to the decision of NKEK No. 478, published on September 11, the testing will be carried out by the company "Nokia Solutions and Networks Ukraine" in cooperation with the mobile operator "Vodafone Ukraine". The place of testing will be Khmelnytskogo Street, 9B in Lviv, where a base station is located, which will serve to test the latest equipment.

The main purpose of the tests is to demonstrate the operation of 5G in real field conditions, which will make it possible to evaluate its electromagnetic compatibility with other communication technologies. The operator will also evaluate the effectiveness of the use of the frequency spectrum and the possible costs of implementing the 5G system. This will make it possible to determine how profitable it will be to implement this technology in a commercial environment.

The test program includes a variety of tests, including checking communication sessions in different standards: 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G. The processes of joining the network, the stability of communication under load, as well as the success of transitions between different technologies will be tested. Special attention will be paid to voice services and their correct transition from 5G to 2G/3G or 4G/VoLTE during calls.

The test radio equipment will be integrated into Huawei's commercial PS Core network. However, the tests will be closed to the general public — only test SIM cards and terminals used exclusively for demonstrations will have access to the Vodafone network.

In the event of any radio interference that may interfere with other users of the communication, Nokia is obliged to immediately stop the operation of the base station until the malfunction is rectified. This will ensure the stability and safety of other communication systems during testing.