Dialog powers up South Asia’s first pilot mobile 5G service

For the first time in South Asia, Dialog Axiata PLC has successfully demonstrated a fully standard based 5G mobile service, integrating 5G network infrastructure with a mobile 5G device.

Dialog leveraged its Huawei RAN and core network with the most current Non-standalone Architecture (Rel. 15, NSA) to power up world’s fastest 5G mobile phone on its trial 5G transmission.

This 5G mobile service pilot in a real-world setting further establishes Dialog’s readiness to deliver 5G services placing Sri Lanka on par with the developed world in terms of delivery of cuttingedge telecommunications services.

“The success of South Asia’s first demonstration of a mobile 5G service is yet another milestone following our launch of a fully functional pre-commercial 5G network and builds on our significant investments into high speed broadband network infrastructure in Sri Lanka.

Dialog will continue to deliver on its promise of delivering ‘The Future’. Today, by leveraging the unique capabilities of 5G technology, to spearhead the country’s transformation into a regional technology hub,” Dialog Axiata Group Chief Executive Supun Weerasinghe said.

Dialog’s successful launch of the 5G mobile service follows previous 5G milestones by the company, establishing another technological first in Sri Lanka and the greater region.

End of 2018, Dialog demonstrated the commissioning of South Asia’s first fully functional and standards compliant 5G transmission using commercial grade base stations.

To-date Dialog has since then upgraded over 20 percent of its expansive base station network to a ‘5G Ready Status’ by deploying Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology.

The same infrastructure will transmit 5G speeds upon the licensing of commercial 5G spectrum in Sri Lanka, enabling the delivery of nationwide 5G coverage.