The 5G Factor: Featuring Ericsson, Vodafone, Qualcomm, and Nokia, along with What’s Afoot in the Chinese 5G Market, and Verizon and the NFL Partner on 5G

In today’s episode of The 5G Factor, our newest webcast focused on all things 5G, host Shelly Kramer and fellow analyst Ron Westfall examine the key trends in the 5G market along with 5G-related news of interest. This show focused on some familiar players in the 5G space, including Ericsson, Vodafone, Qualcomm, Nokia, Verizon, as well as a look at what’s happening in the China market as it relates to 5G technology and innovation. Our discussion today addressed: How Ericsson and Vodafone are collaborating to improve 5G network energy consumption across Vodafone’s network with London trial validating significant savings using Ericsson’s antenna-integrated radio solution Ericsson’s new radio, which is 51 percent lighter and more compact in design, and the role that will have in optimizing site footprints, making 5G rollout and 4G upgrades faster and easier. Why Qualcomm and Ericsson demonstrating first 5G NR (New Radio) call on CBRS spectrum can advance Industry 4.0 use cases including 5G private networks (and why private 5G networks are increasing in popularity) A discussion about Ericsson closing a major research center in Nanjing amid a shrinking 5G market in China. Ericsson as long been a major supplier of telecoms equipment in China, but geopolitical climate has had a significant impact on telecos hoping for business as usual in China. Ericsson reported in July that its second quarter revenue in the country dropped by 60% year over year. Speaking of Nokia and China, our conversation touched on the implications of Nokia pausing technical work with the O-RAN Alliance due to concerns related to working with China-based companies on the Commerce Department’s Entity List and the kerfluffle (one of Ron’s favorite words) that may, or may not, be. We would up the show talking about Verizon’s just announced 10-year 5G partnership with the NFL, promising not only an enhanced fan experience at various stadiums across the U.S., but also affording other enhancements like more innovative ways of player training, team scouting, health guidelines and venue operations as whole. Want to know what stadiums you can experience Verizon’s 5G Multi View capabilities in? Well, you’ll have to watch or listen to the show.