TPG Telecom launches the world’s first 700MHz 5G SA network in Australia

By Dan Oliver
published

Using Nokia’s triple low band remote radio unit, TPG Telecom will use 700MHz spectrum to cover a larger area than previously seen via a 5G network.

Image of the Sydney Opera House.
(Image credit: n/a)

Nokia and TPG Telecom have announced the launch of the world’s first 5G standalone (SA) network in Australia that uses the 700MHz spectrum band.

A single low band (600-700MHz) spectrum tower enables 5G networks to cover hundreds of square miles with a 5G service (unlike mmWave, which only covers shorter distances), with speeds from 30 to 250 megabits per second (Mbps), and they help support 3.5Ghz 5G rollout. Benefits include:

  • The 700MHz spectrum has a large coverage area
  • The 700MHz spectrum has good outdoor-to-indoor penetration
  • Low band spectrum supports massive machine type communication (mMTC)
  • Only moderate investment is required (on top of existing 800/900 MHz grids)

Expanding 5G coverage

This new partnership will see Nokia supply equipment from its latest ReefShark-based AirScale (opens in new tab) range, including its triple band remote radio unit that supports 700, 850 and 900 MHz bands. 

“TPG Telecom’s low band 5G will expand our 5G coverage, supporting our goal of reaching 85% of the population in Australia’s top six cities."

Barry Kezik, TPG Telecom.

“We’re excited to be the first network in the world to realise the true potential of low band 5G SA at 700MHz,” said Barry Kezik, executive general manager of mobile and fixed networks at TPG Telecom. “TPG Telecom’s low band 5G will expand our 5G coverage, supporting our goal of reaching 85% of the population in Australia’s top six cities by the end of the year and changing the way people and things connect to the TPG Telecom 5G network.”

TPG Telecom’s 5G SA service is now successfully activated in parts of Sydney, with towers  also supporting 3G, 4G and 5G simultaneously across all TPG Telecom’s low-band frequencies. 

“Nokia is proud to support another 5G world first,” said Dr Robert Joyce, CTO at Nokia Oceania. “We have a long-standing partnership with TPG Telecom, and we have jointly developed our unique triple band radio solution specifically for them. Today we get to see the result of that joint effort and collaboration which will deliver premium wide area 5G SA coverage for TPG Telecom and its customers.”

Dan Oliver
Dan Oliver

Dan is a British journalist with 20 years of experience in the design and tech sectors, producing content for the likes of Microsoft, Adobe, Dell and The Sunday Times. In 2012 he helped launch the world's number one design blog, Creative Bloq (opens in new tab). Dan is now editor-in-chief at 5Gradar, where he oversees news, insight and reviews, providing an invaluable resource for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with the key issues facing 5G.