5G Focus is a weekly global feature including notable 5G trials, launches, use cases and major equipment supply contracts. It also features in-depth analysis of strategies, expansion plans, business models and other related initiatives.
Dutch operators KPN NV and T-Mobile Netherlands BV rolled out their 5G networks, while AT&T Inc.'s 5G network is now available nationwide. Countries in the European Union are yet to achieve a common approach to China's Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and the security of 5G infrastructure.
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While European telecom operators have called for clarity on government policies towards Huawei, the region is still highly divided, with almost an equal number of countries excluding and including the Chinese company from 5G rollouts.
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For chipmaker TSMC, challenge is keeping up with demand, not rivals: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.'s earnings grew year over year in its most recent quarter, driven by the strength of the data-center and 5G markets.
US AND CANADA
* United States Cellular Corp. chose Ericsson for the provision of millimeter-wave equipment to support 5G use cases.
* The U.S. Federal Communications Commission kicked off its auction of 5G spectrum in the 3.55 to 3.65 GHz range.
* Verizon Communications Inc. expects the launch of Apple Inc.'s 5G iPhone to significantly boost its smartphone sales.
* The U.S. Senate passed a defense spending bill, which requires the defense secretary to submit a report on risks that Huawei's 5G systems pose to countries hosting U.S. military.
* AT&T's 5G network is now active across the U.S.
* Lockheed Martin Corp. could enter the 5G space with products designed for the U.S. Department of Defense.
ASIA-PACIFIC
* Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. launched the 5G variant of its Galaxy Z Flip foldable smartphone, Korea JoongAng Daily reported.
* SK Telecom Co. Ltd., KT Corp. and LG U+ aim to complete the installation of 5G networks in South Korean subway stations by mid-2021, ZDNet Korea reported.
* South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT will invest 120 billion South Korean won until 2022 to develop the 5G fusion service industry, ZDNet Korea reported.
* Total Access Communication PCL is in talks with Thai state-owned telco TOT PCL, to use the latter's spectrum for 5G services, Krungthep Turakij reported.
* Dialog Axiata PLC launched a 5G network trial in Sri Lanka.
* SK Telecom and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. will develop a 5G mobile edge computing platform targeting Southeast Asia, Digital Daily reported.
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA
* KPN and T-Mobile Netherlands launched their respective 5G networks. The telcos, along with VodafoneZiggo, earlier paid a total of about €1.23 billion for 5G spectrum secured in a multiband auction.
* The majority of European Union member states began phasing out "high-risk" 5G equipment suppliers from core parts of the network. The European Commission also urged EU member countries to diversify 5G suppliers.
* Telekom Slovenije dd rolled out its 5G network, The Fast Mode reported.
* Luxembourg will raise about €41.3 million in a 5G spectrum auction, Telecompaper reported.
* France is imposing restrictions on Huawei equipment that will amount to a ban by 2028, Reuters reported.
* The U.K. will simplify telecom infrastructure planning laws to help speed up 5G rollouts.
* Iran achieved speeds of 1.5 Gbps in its first 5G trial at the country's ICT Research Center, Mehr News Agency reported.
* Deutsche Telekom AG will deploy Ericsson's 5G Radio Access Network across Germany.
* Algerie Telecom SpA unit Mobilis plans to start 5G tests in Algiers, Algeria, in August, Ecofin Agency reported.
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Wireless Investor: Peru mobile projections from 2020-2030: Peru's telecom watchdog has yet to say whether the 4G and 5G spectrum auction scheduled for 2020 will take place.
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