O2 Telefonica, a prominent player in the German telecommunications landscape, is set to unlock a new era of connectivity. The telecom giant has officially revealed that its 5G Plus network in Germany will be available starting next week, bringing a wave of higher speeds, reduced latency, and exciting new features. Scheduled for debut on October 10th, this network will introduce users to 5G standalone (5G SA) technology, an innovation that dedicates specific frequencies exclusively to 5G applications. The result? Nearly real-time communication, turbocharged speeds, and a plethora of fresh functionalities for digital experiences. Here’s a deeper dive into this game-changing announcement.
Unleashing the Power of 5G SA: What Does It Mean for Germany?
O2 Telefonica has rolled out its 5G Plus network with a mission to cover more than 90 percent of Germany’s population. Ambitiously, the company aims to extend this robust coverage to envelop the entire nation by the end of 2025.
The Evolution from NSA to SA: 5G Standalone Technology
In contrast to its non-standalone counterpart (5G NSA), 5G Plus operates as a standalone network, equipped with a 5G core network tailor-made to leverage the unique characteristics of 5G technology. This transition promises a world of benefits, including reduced latency, accelerated speeds, and a commitment to sustainability.
Voice Evolution: Introducing VoNR
A significant highlight of the 5G Plus network is the introduction of Voice-over-New Radio (VoNR) technology. O2 customers in Germany will become pioneers in experiencing mobile calls over the entire 5G network via VoNR. This advancement ensures superior voice quality when compared to the previous 4G/LTE technology traditionally used for voice telephony in 5G networks.
For Businesses and Beyond: Harnessing the Potential of 5G SA
O2 Telefonica has been an early adopter of 5G standalone technology (5G SA) for business applications, deploying 5G campus networks for enterprises and governmental entities since 2020. This technology has ushered in a wave of advantages for diverse industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and the public sector. It has also paved the way for transformative IoT applications and robust medical device networks.
A Leap in Sustainability: The Energy-Efficient Edge
Beyond its incredible speed and responsiveness, the 5G Plus network has also been celebrated for its energy efficiency. Thanks to intelligent antenna technologies and network capacity control, this network consumes up to 90 percent less power per byte, contributing significantly to the global push for sustainable communication solutions.
Frequency Bands and Future Potential
O2 Telefonica’s 5G Plus network is harnessed through frequencies exclusively allocated for 5G, encompassing 700 MHz, 3.6 GHz, and 1800 MHz (DSS). As more spectrum gets allocated for 5G in the future, it’s anticipated that the available bandwidth will expand further, opening doors to even more exciting possibilities.
Unlocking 5G Plus: How to Get Started
For O2 Telefonica contract customers, embracing the wonders of the 5G Plus network is simple. The 5G Plus Pack can be activated at no cost for 12 months through multiple channels, including the “My O2 App,” web portal, hotline, or physical shops. To embark on this thrilling journey, all that’s needed is a 5G-enabled tariff, a 5G-Plus-enabled SIM card, and a compatible smartphone.
