Looks like the big four have some competition.
Regional carrier C Spire is teaming up with telecom technology giant Nokia to work on 5G tests this summer. The news was first spotted by AndroidHeadlines.
According to an experimental application filed with the FCC, the tests will take place throughout July at the carrier’s headquarters in Mississippi.
Though C Spire isn’t directly named on the application, a representative on Wednesday confirmed the carrier is working with Nokia on the tests. C Spire’s senior manager of media relations Dave Miller said the carrier is still in the early stages of planning the tests, but declined to comment further on the matter.
The pending application indicates the tests will use Nokia prototype equipment to conduct 5G tests between 68 GHz and 76 GHz. One fixed base station and one mobile unit will be used in the tests. The trail will be held July 1 through July 25.
The move makes C Spire the fifth U.S. wireless carrier to seek an experimental license for 5G testing.
Last week, Sprint announced it is teaming up with both Nokia and Ericsson on 5G demonstrations at the Centennial Copa America soccer events next month. As with C Spire, Nokia’s Sprint demonstration will utilize equipment operating on spectrum in the 68 GHz to 76 GHz range. Sprint collaboration with Ericsson will test 5G technology a bit lower, at 14.5 GHz to 15.35 GHz.
AT&T has said it plans to test 5G in the 15GHz and 28 GHz bands in Austin, Texas, but will conduct additional tests in the 28 GHz and 39 GHz bands at its lab in Middletown, New Jersey.
Verizon and T-Mobile have also sought permission to test 5G technologies on 28 GHz spectrum. T-Mobile is also aiming for tests in the 37 GHz and 39 GHz bands.
Filed Under: 5G
