Not yet available in Europe – but expect rollout soon after trial
Ericsson is launching a smartphone system that speeds megabits to its 4G and 5G mobile users and raises the quality of the data. The Dynamic End-user Boost app is currently only available to SmarTone, a telecom provider based there.
Hong Kong fury
The application uses network slicing techniques which have yet to be used in Europe. Yesterday Vodafone and Ericsson showcased their vision for network slicing in Europe when they gave a demo of a hypothetical Standalone 5G network performing network slicing in an imaginary retail centre. However, the Far Eastern counterparts will be able to see the technology in action on their phones.
Fast lane for data traffic
According to an Ericsson video, the network slicing Dynamic End user boost application already gives SmartOne’s Hong Kong subscribers “an on-demand, high-priority lane in a data traffic jam.”
The good news for European mobile operators is that Ericsson will eventually roll out Dynamic End-user Boost globally to both enterprise and consumer markets though its channel of service providers. The app’s coding instructs Ericsson’s comms hardware to provide secure download and upload speeds, instant latency and lightweight cloud integration.
Return to Zander
The Dynamic End-user Boost affects user experience in a way that has not been possible before, according to Martin Zander, head of Ericsson’s One Network Solutions. “If you are downloading or uploading a file on the go, need to run a video conference, interacting with a business application, or having a gaming session from your mobile, it just works without any hassle,” said Zander.
API days
Ericsson is inviting developers to grab the network slicing opportunity through involvement with One Network Solutions, its cloud-based intelligent platform, which it says offers flexible network application programming interfaces (APIs). It’s designed to help developers create new applications for 5G. “We understand that customers may occasionally need to boost their mobile data connectivity when they are in business-critical or important social-networking situations,” said SmarTone CTO Stephen Chau.
If paradise was network sliced
SmarTone has provided 5G service since May 2020. It boasts the widest 5G coverage in Hong Kong, spanning 18 city districts while covering major roads and mass transit. “Our network is now capable of offering our customers the possibility to boost connectivity in an easy-to-use mobile app, allowing them to always stay on top of things, as well as enjoy the best network experience on SmarTone’s network,” said Chau. SmarTone was one of four Hong Kong mobile operators to invest in 200 MHz of 5G spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band, in 2019.