Ericsson-LG demonstrated the next-generation network 5G on Thursday. It marked the first time that the network equipment manufacturer had showcased the network in Korea.

The 5G network equipment used for the demonstration offered a peak download speed of 26 gigabit per second, around 350 times faster than the current Long-Term Evolution network. 

“I feel proud of the Ericsson-LG researchers at the Anyang R&D center who are contributing to achieving technical innovation for both Korean and global customers,” said Patrick Johansson, the chief executive of Ericsson-LG in Anyang City where the demonstration was held.

“Ericsson, which marks the 140th anniversary of its foundation this year and introduced the first magneto telephone switch and a telephone in 1896 in Korea, has been playing a leading role in the Korean telecom market,” said the CEO.

Johansson said the company would work together with Korean telecom firms for further promoting the 5G network.

Ericsson-LG is a joint venture founded by Swedish network equipment maker Ericsson and electronics giant LG Electronics in July 2010 in Seoul. Ericsson holds a 75 percent stake, with LGE holding the rest.

The company is preparing to supply 5G network systems to Korean telecom firms such as KT and SK Telecom. Its 5G network systems are expected to be deployed for trial 5G services during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

On Thursday, Ericsson-LG also showcased 5G beam tracking technology that enables network systems to track and send signals for certain mobile devices.

For example, the company’s network systems can send telecom signals to a specific unmanned vehicle driving on the road and help the car to communicate with users or other cars seamlessly in real time.

The multiple-user multi-input and multi-output technology -- a core element behind the 5G beam tracking technology -- allows the transmission of sizeable data, such as those for virtual reality, hologram, and ultra-high definition videos, in an efficient manner, according to the company.

Anne Hoglund, ambassador of Sweden who participated in the demonstration, said that the collaboration between Ericsson and Korean telecom firms would help the companies gain a competitive edge in the global market.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)