Deployed on 23 July 2020, the 5G rollout began within a week of the contract signing on 16 July 2020.
The new 5G services were made live through a software installation on existing Ericsson Radio System and Packet Core equipment, which enables spectrum sharing between 4G and 5G on the 2600MHz FDD spectrum.
Under the terms of the collaboration, Ericsson will supply Telekom Slovenije with RAN and Packet Core solutions. Specifically, Radio 4415 and Baseband 6630 from Ericsson Radio System and SGSN-MME, Evolved Packet Gateway and Service-Aware Policy Controller solutions from Ericsson’s Cloud Core portfolio.
“Upgrading existing our 4G networks to 5G puts Slovenia on the map of the most digitally advanced countries,” said Matjaž Beričič, management board member and chief technology officer, Telekom Slovenije.
“With opportunities for new ICT solutions, services and business models, we have started an evolutionary upgrade of existing mobile technology based on secure standards that we have mastered with our business partners and providers like Ericsson. We shall continue upgrading our 4G/5G network to benefit everyone in Slovenia.”
As a result of the partnership, initial 5G services are available to an estimated 25% of the population. Telekom Slovenije aims to increase its 5G coverage to 33% of the population by end of 2020.
In addition, Telekom Slovenije is also planning a 5G public mobile network in the form of ‘campus’ networks, in which virtual dedicated networks for verticals such as energy, transport, logistics, industry, smart cities, health, public safety and critical services are provided within one physical infrastructure.
“With leading 5G technology, a robust supply chain capability and decades of local presence in Europe, we are joining forces with our long-term partners Telekom Slovenije to bring 5G to Slovenia,” added Arun Bansal (pictured), president of Europe and Latin America, Ericsson.
“Telekom Slovenije is meeting the increased demand for data in the country, and we are efficiently deploying 5G to support subscribers and enterprises and to also prepare Slovenia for the next digital revolution. Working together, we will harness our unique ability to roll out 5G quickly in Slovenia and give a third of the entire population access to 5G already by the end of the year.”
