TIM and Ericsson make first 5G NR video call using mmWave spectrum in Europe

Telecom Italia (TIM), Qualcomm Technologies and Ericsson have successfully completed the first, live video call in Europe using 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum.

The partners used a smartphone equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X50 5G chipset on Ericsson equipment to make the call during the inauguration of the TIM’s new 5G Innovation Hub in Rome.

The new TIM 5G Innovation Hub aims to attract and support an ecosystem of startups, research centers and other stakeholders interested in the digital transformation.  In addition to the 5G video call, TIM also showcased a series of new services including a remote-driven car; a virtual museum tour, remote controlled industrial robots; and multiplayer interactive video gaming using augmented reality.

Mario Di Mauro, Chief Strategy, Innovation & Customer Experience Officer at TIM, says: “When we started to define the strategy and the development plans for 5G, we immediately realized that such a massive challenge could not be faced without the support of a wide range of partners committed to the same goal. We therefore proposed Qualcomm Technologies set up a place where work on the new 5G services and every business idea could find a quick realization thanks to the support of leading international technology players, innovative partners and start-ups from the local and national ecosystem.”