Samsung Electronics unveiled its 28 GHz, end-to-end, fixed wireless access (FWA) equipment for 5G at Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona last week. Using its own technology, Samsung has developed what it says is the first commercial ASIC-based 5G modems and millimeter wave RFICs, enabling the design of compact access units and CPEs. The equipment line-up includes

• Commercial form-factor 5G home routers for both indoor and outdoor mounting
• 5G radio access network (RAN), including the radio access unit and virtualized RAN
• Next-generation core, and
• AI-powered 3D radio frequency planning tools and services.

Samsung said its products have supported months of field trials in multiple markets, leading to authorization by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on February 23, the first 5G millimeter wave products to secure regulatory approval.

Samsung’s 28 GHz equipment will be deployed by Verizon in the first commercial launch of FWA services in Sacramento, California, during the second half of 2018.

Youngky Kim, head of the networks business at Samsung, said, “Since the beginning of our 5G research in 2012, Samsung stood firm among industry players to trust in the potentials of the millimeter wave spectrum. Our efforts towards advancing this technology will see the light this year, making 5G a reality and opening up new territories’ possibilities for consumers, operators and enterprises.”