T-Mobile tests SIC technology with potential for use in the 5G network

• SIC enables simultaneous duplex communication on the same frequency
• The world’s first test of SIC technology in a real-world environment   
• Cooperation between Czech T-Mobile, Deutsche Telekom and Kumu Networks 

Prague – In cooperation with Deutsche Telekom and Kumu Networks, T-Mobile carried out the world’s first test of SIC technology in a real operator environment at the end of August and beginning of September 2015 in Prague. The technology should enable full duplex simultaneous communication using one frequency with potential for use in the future 5G network or, for example, for an easier connection of small cells within the existing networks. 

“I am delighted that we were present at the first test of a technology, which can be part of the future 5G network, in a real operator environment,” says Vladimír Klein, Technology Director at T-Mobile, adding: “This experiment helped us better understand the potential of SIC for possible use in 5G.” 

Signal transmission and reception in mobile networks is carried out in two different ways: either on two different frequencies simultaneously or on one frequency but at different time intervals. SIC technology developed by Kumu Networks brings the possibility of simultaneous signal transmission and reception using the same frequency. The main advantage of this is a potential increase of the spectrum use efficiency and of the mobile network capacity. Before the experiment was performed in Prague, SIC had only been tested in laboratory conditions. 

The test was carried out as part of the 5G:haus project within which the Deutsche Telekom Group in partnership with the leading research and industrial partners is evaluating the possibilities of the 5G network and testing technologies with potential to be used in that network. The cooperation between Deutsche Telekom and Kumu Networks was announced in March this year. 

The simultaneous full duplex communication on one frequency offers a broad range of possible applications: in the 5G network architecture, it should enable effective incorporation of new radio functions, for example to achieve higher spectrum efficiency and increase the network capacity. However, it also brings benefits for the existing mobile networks – for example, the technology can help resolve the problem of small cell connection as it enables the re-use of the spectrum that is usually serves end users exclusively. Thanks to that, operators could be able to install small cells much easier also in locations where this would otherwise be impossible due to non-existent mobile network connectivity. 

Kumu Networks is a pioneer in the use and development of technology enabling simultaneous duplex communication on the same frequency. The products of this company, which is financed by investors NEA, Khosla Ventures and Third Point Ventures, double the efficiency of the wireless spectrum and are regarded as the basis for the new 5G standard that is now being developed.

T-Mobile Czech Republic, a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom, has almost 6.2 million customers, the number-one operator in the Czech market. T-Mobile is an integrated operator: in addition to telecommunications services, it offers comprehensive ICT solutions not only for companies, but also for other organizations and individuals. It provides outstanding services in the high-speed network, which was proved repeatedly by benchmark testing performed by umlaut (former P3) with Best-in-Test seal.

T-Mobile Czech Republic places emphasis on taking a responsible approach to the environment and society. It adheres to fair business practices, helps beneficial applications and services to see the light of day, supports non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals, and lends a helping hand whenever crisis situations arise. The company’s employees serve as volunteers in many places across the entire Czech Republic.

More information about the company is available at www.t-mobile.cz, www.t-press.cz (the portal for journalists) and www.t-mobile.cz/pomahame (information on the company’s CSR activities).

Contact details of the press unit: press@t-press.cz.