In cooperation with Ericsson, COSMOTE will proceed with the development of a 5G network in Greece, following a relevant tender process.
At the same time, COSMOTE is proceeding with the overall modernization of the mobile access network, completely replacing the 2G/3G/4G/4G+ equipment with a new one, which will enable gradual upgradeof the network in 5G.
Through the new equipment, COSMOTE will continue to offer its customers an unsurpassed mobile Internet experience and high quality voice services, wherever they are. At the same time, it will significantly improve the energy footprint of the 2G / 3G / 4G / 4G + mobile network, as it will consume less energy and will be more environmentally friendly.
Η technology 5G, the next generation of wireless communication, is expected to usher in an era of high speeds and unlimited possibilities.
5G makes it possible to provide and manage new interactive and intelligent services to all connected devices in near real time. It can serve up to 1.000.000 devices per square kilometer and allows maximum speeds of up to 10Gbps. The response time (latency) will go down to 1 millisecond with simultaneous communication reliability at 99,999%. 5G will be a driver for the development of the global economy, with potential applications in various sectors such as industry, health, telecommunications, transport, "smart" cities, education, entertainment etc.
The development of COSMOTE 5G will take place in connection with the auction of the required spectrum, and which is planned by the National Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) for the 4th quarter of 2020. 5G services will be commercialized by COSMOTE in 2021. At the same time, COSMOTE plans to stop providing 3G services after the end of 2021, in order to use the available resources of the spectrum in more advanced technologies (4G / 4G + / 5G).
The President and CEO of OTE Group, Mr. Michalis Tsamaz, stated in this regard:
"5G is the future of telecommunications and a prerequisite for their society Gigabit. It is the technology on which all the pioneers will "run" applications that will change our lives in the near future. OTE Group creates the state-of-the-art infrastructure that the country and society needs in the new digital age. We are investing vigorously so that our customers can enjoy the innovative services and products that 5G brings. With technology and innovation, we make a world better for everyone."
"The trust that COSMOTE shows in us, choosing us as partners for this landmark agreement, which concerns the introduction of 5G in Greece and the simultaneous complete modernization of COSMOTE's mobile access network, is yet another strong proof of its technological superiority Ericsson. 5G is one platform of innovation, which is going to digitally transform industry, business, society as a whole, all over the world, for the better. With a high sense of responsibility, we accept COSMOTE's invitation to work together to bring 5G and its enormous benefits to Greece and COSMOTE's customers," said Mr. George Pappas, CEO of Ericsson Greece.