Expanding 5G in the U.S. was extremely important in 2020 because broadband networks became front and center due to the unforeseen requirements to work, learn, and shop remotely. Stay at home orders, the endless video calls, collaboration sessions, and home-based education for students of all ages put networks to the test, and the wireless industry stepped up to meet the capacity needs. In some cases, the flexibility offered by virtualized networks enabled additional capacity to be applied quickly. Whether deployed in fixed wireless or hotspot applications, 5G successfully demonstrated its ability to deliver the throughput needed from wireless broadband access.
Samsung achieved several important 5G milestones in 2020. Samsung partnered with network operators to introduce commercial 5G service in Canada and the U.S.4 5 6 Also, the company supported 5G network growth with solutions that allowed operators in the region to launch new services that provide customers with the benefits of 5G's speed and bandwidth.7 Real-time applications foster OPEX reducing tools, like the AI-powered drone system that validates site antenna configuration and RF interference detection and management system, to ease the deployments of wireless RANs.8 Samsung provides AI/ML powered tools to automate the management of wireless RANs, ranging from the open-loop automation solutions such as AI machine learning based anomaly detection to the close-loop automation solutions such as load balancing orchestration.
In 2020, Samsung introduced several new technologies to help network operators efficiently deploy and operate their networks, including a fully virtualized RAN and high-performance indoor solutions. With RAN virtualization, operators can create a flexible and cost-efficient RAN that efficiently scales and pools network resources and optimizes service performance.9 To ensure that indoor locations can receive the same 5G experiences, Samsung launched the Samsung Link portfolio featuring the Link Cell mmWave unit, Link HubPro for active DAS, and Link Hub for passive DAS.10 These solutions deliver cost-effective 5G services for operators across their spectrum assets and various enterprise building types, whether in arenas, office buildings, or campuses.
On the device front, Samsung has offered smartphones with 5G connectivity since 2019 and we have worked to make 5G a standard across our portfolio at all price points – from our mid-tier Galaxy A series to our revolutionary Galaxy Z series. The goal of our expansive device portfolio is to make 5G accessible to everyone.
These advancements in 2020 allowed MNOs to play a vital role in keeping people connected to their work, family, and friends.