KUALA LUMPUR: Telecommunication giant Ericsson and Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) have conducted Malaysia’s first Voice over New Radio (VoNR) call over the live 5G network.

       In a statement, Ericsson said this would set the stage for the companies to provide a world-class network.

       The VoNR provides high-definition audio and video for improved user experience and opens up new revenue generation opportunities for mobile network operators (MNOs) with ready 5G cores.

       DNB chief technology officer Ken Tan said: “The successful VoNR demonstration, done for the first time over the live nationwide 5G network, is the latest technical milestone of how 5G can deliver a new and superior user experience via a cloud-native 5G standalone architecture.”

       He said 5G VoNR could be a key enabler of next-generation immersive applications that combine 5G speed and high-definition audio.

       “We will continue to deliver 5G capabilities to support technology innovation in Malaysia,” he said.

       Ericsson said the technology has the ability to conduct simultaneous data functions like downloading files and playing video while making VoNR calls where previously, calls were defaulted to 4G long-term evolution thereby pausing activity over the 5G network.

       The technical milestone is a testament to the ability of the DNB network to support both 5G non-standalone and standalone (SA) architectures.

       Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh David Hagerbro said: “5G VoNR calls are a basic capability needed for future standalone new radio 5G deployments and will allow innovative services to be offered in the market.

       “This is another milestone as we work with DNB to deliver a world-class network for Malaysians to enjoy,” he said.

       Ericsson said VoNR utilised DNB’s 5G network SA architecture to offer end users a high-definition, audio-video experience.

       “Now, compatible devices that support the VoNR are no longer handed over to the 4G network for calls. This significantly reduces network switching for devices on the 5G network.

       “As a result, devices on the 5G network will soon be able to simultaneously conduct VoNR calls and large file downloads without any interruption due to network switching,” it said.

       The superior characteristics of 5G radio will enable improved voice and communication services, such as network-efficient video calling, real-time interaction.

       “These services can utilise the high data speed and low latency of 5G to enable new real-time voice and communication use cases between humans or between humans and machines,” it added.