Entel and Ericsson launch Chile '5G Zone'initiative in Santiago

摘要

Chile's ministry of transport and telecommunications (MTT) has teamed up with state-backed operator Entel and Ericsson to inaugurate what the partners describe as the first "5G Zone" in Latin America. The government has freed up frequencies in the 3.5 GHz and 700 MHz for the initiative, which will involve trials of 5G technology in a 5.5 kilometer area between the localities of Providencia and Las Condes in the Santiago province. Telecom watchdog Subtel said the area is transited by over 100,000 people a week and includes hospitals, shops, high-flowing public transport, parks, offices, schools and universities. At a launch event, Chilean mountain bike world champion Sebastian Vasquez navigated a circuit in real time without being able to see the track using 5G streaming technology. "This 5G Zone will allow citizens to experience a hyper-connected ecosystem, with smart transport and greater efficiency in travel times," said Transport and Telecommunications minister Gloria Hutt at the launch. She added that the ministry hopes to expand the initiative to more areas throughout the country in the coming months.