Singapore’s M1 launches True 5G SA network market trial

Posted on by Alan Weissberger
Singapore operator M1 has launched its True 5G network in an exclusive market trial, allowing both its existing and new mobile customers to access the 5G Standalone technology in Singapore. As part of an exclusive market trial, customers can now access the True 5G service by adding on a booster pack to their existing mobile plan.  However, a trial is NOT commercial service.
True 5G is an enhancement to M1’s cellular network, built on 5G standalone hardware. The Singapore operator claims it offers:
  • 4x FASTER SPEEDS THAN 5G NON-STANDALONE NETWORKS
  • 10X FASTER SPEEDS THAN EXISTING 4G NETWORKS
  • 2X BETTER NETWORK RESPONSE, WITH INCREASED RELIABILITY

Image Credit: M1
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As the first telco in Singapore to embark on 5G trials in 2018, M1 Limited has been a front-runner in the development of Singapore’s 5G SA network. Unlike the 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) launched in 2020, True 5G SA operates independently of 4G-LTE network infrastructure (like the 4G Evolved Packet Core/EPC). M1 says that with 5Go Boosters starting as low as $5 per month, customers can enjoy an enhanced and secured suite of capabilities.
M1 says that given its enhanced capabilities, innovative and diversified digital experiences such as 5G cloud gaming, real-time interactive streaming and entertainment, as well as immersive Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications can be enjoyed very soon (no date given).
M1 says the True 5G experience will support revolutionary applications and new business opportunities across a range of industries from robotics to maritime.

M1 customers can enjoy an elevated call experience via the world’s first Voice over 5G New Radio (VoNR) service [1.] on M1’s 5G SA network that reinforces the experience of crystal clear high-definition voice calls, improved productivity with 5G speeds on data-driven activities throughout the duration of the calls as well as faster call setup time.

Note 1.  Deutsche Telekom claims to have completed VoNR call this past June, which we documented here.

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M1 is working closely with some of Singapore’s most exciting enterprises and SMEs to reimagine and redefine how businesses can leverage 5G to boost efficiency, fast-track innovation, and meet customer demands. Working in close synergy with its key shareholder, Keppel Corporation, M1 will continue to explore and develop more 5G-enabled business opportunities and collaborations across the Keppel group of businesses and open up limitless possibilities for corporations.

About M1:

M1, a subsidiary of Keppel Corporation, is Singapore’s first digital network operator, providing a suite of communications services, including mobile, fixed line, and fiber offerings to over two million customers.

Since the launch of its commercial services in 1997, M1 has achieved many firsts – becoming one of the first operators to be awarded one of Singapore’s two nationwide 5G standalone network licences, being the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, ultra-high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice, and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN).

M1’s mission is to drive transformation and evolution in Singapore’s telecommunications landscape through cutting-edge technology and its made-to-measure offerings.

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One thought on “Singapore’s M1 launches True 5G SA network market trial”

  1. In the United States, T-Mobile US has taken the boldest public stand. In fact, it’s the only nationwide U.S. carrier with a Standalone 5G deployment. It launched its 5G SA network in 2020 on its 600 MHz spectrum.

    In Europe, different companies are trialing 5G SA networks of their own. Deutsche Telekom and Samsung partnered earlier this year to create a 5G SA trial in Pilsen, Czech Republic, where they found 3x spectrum efficiency compared to LTE. On its home turf, Deutsche Telekom built a 5G SA radio site in Garching, near Munich, and said that it will soon be connected to a 5G SA core network. In nearby Austria, operator Drei has begun trials of a 5G SA core network operating on 700 MHz and 1500 MHz frequencies at its headquarters in Vienna’s Floridsodorf district.

    In France, Orange is testing a 5G SA network with several partners including Mavenir, Casa Systems, Dell, and Xiaomi. The network has been deployed first in the town of Lannion, with the intent of providing a “zero-touch” network that automatically provisions services and auto repairs. In the United Kingdom, Vodafone UK has deployed a standalone 5G network at Coventry University aimed at VR training for healthcare professionals.

    Other standalone networks are in the works – Nokia and A1 Telekom will deploy 5G SA in Serbia and Slovenia, while Ericsson and Vodafone Spain have partnered for standalone 5G support.

    https://www.rcrwireless.com/20210831/5g/what-is-a-cloud-native-5g-network

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