Mobile network operator Vodafone Czech Republic has launched its non-standalone (NSA) 5G network in a number of major cities throughout the country.
TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate says that the cities – Prague, Brno, Usti nad Labem, Jesenik and Karlovy Vary – will be using dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) technology, which enables the sharing of frequencies between 4G and 5G networks.
A number of local press reports suggest that the 5G network is also available in the Prague metro. The Prague metro began operation in 1974 and now has three lines with 61 stations. It currently has a transit network 65.2 kilometres long. At the moment, 5G covers the entire section from Dejvická to Muzeum on the green line, and from Smíchovské nádraží to Českomoravská on the yellow line.
Of course, NSA 5G networks focus on providing enhanced mobile broadband (higher data bandwidth) and reliable connectivity. This mode allows operators to leverage their existing network assets rather than deploying a completely new end-to-end 5G network.
It’s not clear when 5G spectrum will be made available for standalone 5G networks in the Czech Republic. The Czech Telecommunication Office (CTU) confirmed earlier this month that seven interested parties are seeking to bid in the Czech Republic’s upcoming sale of 700MHz and 3400MHz-3600MHz 5G-ready spectrum, though no candidates’ names have yet been revealed.
There are three main mobile phone operators in the Czech Republic: Vodafone, O2 and T-Mobile. A number of press reports indicate that O2 has also been offering 5G internet in selected Czech cities since July.
