Vodafone has announced that it will be activating its 5G network Tuesday evening, across more than half of the Netherlands. This news comes despite the fact that the nation’s first 5G spectrum auction has yet to take place.
The Telecompaper states: Vodafone starts 5G network in “half of the Netherlands”, not “more than half of the Netherlands”, as reported elsewhere.
How can Vodafone launch 5G without 5G spectrum?
Vodafone is utilising its existing spectrum via Ericsson’s Spectrum Sharing technology (Dynamic Spectrum Sharing), whereby suitable devices can use the spectrum for both 4G and 5G. This technology allows Vodafone to divide its existing 1,800 MHz spectrum between 4G and 5G.
Jeroen Hoencamp, CEO of VodafoneZiggo. “Today we are introducing 5G via Ericsson Spectrum Sharing in our GigaNet. We are making use of the latest innovative technology to apply 5G in existing frequency bands, using our existing antennas.”
Vodafone has registered for the multiband auction scheduled to take place this spring. The new frequency bands 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz will become available after that auction.
Customers who have a Red subscription and a phone that supports 5G should be able to use the faster mobile network within a week. VodafoneZiggo, a joint venture of Vodafone VOD.L and U.S. based cable firm Liberty Global LBTYA.O, said it would expand 5G coverage to the whole of the Netherlands by July, using its current frequencies.
The Randstad, southern Netherlands, and large cities in other parts of the Netherlands will be the first to get 5G
https://nltimes.nl/2020/04/28/vodafone-first-launch-5g-network-netherlands
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/vodafoneziggo-launches-5g-coverage-in-the-netherlands-2020-04-28
Added note by EMFSA
The Stop5GNL Foundation has filed a suit summary proceedings against the Dutch government, to stop it from rolling out 5G. The foundation believes the deployment is unlawful because it does not protect citizens against the consequences of radiation exposure from 5G. https://www.emfsa.co.za/news/dutch-foundation-takes-govt-to-court-over-5g-rollout-citing-health-concerns/
An oral hearing of the summary proceedings will take place, scheduled for May 4.