Telstra claims world first with 5G call on a commercial network

Telstra said it has come closer than any other provider to making a "true" 5G call in a real-world scenario by completing the first end-to-end 5G non-standalone data call over a commercial mobile network.

The call took place at Telstra's 5G innovation centre on the Gold Coast using Telstra's 5G network and licensed 3.5GHz commercial spectrum using a personal Telstra SIM card.

The network also used equipment from partners Ericsson, including the base station and network connection to the company's virtualised 5G packet core, and Intel's 5G mobile trial platform.

Telstra's former group managing director for networks Mike Wright said it was the closest any provider had come to making a 5G call in a real-world setting.

"We continue to work with global technology companies Ericsson and Intel as well as global standards bodies to advance the deployment of commercial 5G capability in Australia."

In November last year, Telstra claimed another 5G world first by conducting data call trials over the mmWave spectrum, which is in consideration for 5G deployments globally. Three months later, Telstra revealed its intention to launch commercial 5G services at some point in 2019, along with opening the doors to its 5G innovation centre on the Gold Coast.

Telstra's 5G plans hit a bump last week when Mike Wright, who was in charge of fixed, wireless and media networks, announced he was leaving from the telco after 38 years.

Commenting on the latest 5G trial, Ericsson's head of networks said: “We’re quickly moving towards 5G commercial reality. Achieving the first commercial data call with our partners Telstra and Intel shows the progress we’ve made from testing the technology in a lab to a 5G commercial network environment. 5G is open for business and Ericsson is helping customers get it done.”

Intel's vice president and general manager for Next Generation and Standards Asha Keddy added: “Along with Ericsson and Telstra, Intel continues to demonstrate its strong 5G technical capability, as showcased by this first 5G data call on commercial infrastructure deployed in Telstra’s network.

"Intel will continue to collaborate on 5G tests and multiple use cases ahead of Telstra’s planned 5G commercial launch that will bring powerful, low-latency and high-bandwidth experiences to consumers.”