Airspan Networks Completes Interoperability Testing of End-to-End 5G Stand Alone Network on 5G CBRS Spectrum

Rhea-AI Summary

Airspan Networks Holdings Inc. (NYSE American: MIMO) announced the successful completion of interoperability tests for 5G and Open RAN technology using CBRS spectrum. This achievement involved Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X60 5G Modem-RF System and marks a significant step in the deployment of next-generation 5G devices. According to SNS Telecom, approximately 90% of U.S. smartphone shipments will support CBRS by 2023. The tests confirmed the functionality of Airspan's end-to-end Open RAN solution, which is crucial for enhancing user experience in various scenarios.

Positive

• Successful completion of 5G and Open RAN interoperability tests using Snapdragon X60 5G Modem-RF System.
• Positions Airspan to lead in the deployment of next-generation 5G devices.
• Estimates show 90% of U.S. smartphones will support CBRS by 2023.

Negative

• None.

Comprehensive Tests Lay the Groundwork for the Launch of CBRS-based 5G Devices, Using Airspan 5G and Open RAN software and hardware

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Airspan Networks Inc., a subsidiary of Airspan Networks Holdings Inc. (NYSE American: MIMO) announced today the successful completion of 5G and Open RAN interoperability tests of three levels in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum band (n48) using, for the first time, a mobile test device powered by Snapdragon^® X60 5G Modem-RF System. Qualcomm Technologies’ mobile test device was connected to Airspan’s Open RAN 5G platform (OpenRANGE).

This significant achievement will help create opportunities for deployment and will enable better user experiences in a wide array of scenarios using CBRS spectrum. According to a recent article in Fierce Wireless, research firm SNS Telecom & IT predicts roughly 90% of all smartphone shipments in the United States by 2023, will be CBRS band-compatible. That includes 3GPP band n48 for 5G New Radio (NR) connectivity. SNS also estimated total US smartphone shipments at approximately 130 million.

The tests were run on Airspan's end-to-end Open RAN solution including Radio Units (RU), Distributed Units (DU) and Centralized Units (CU). The end-to-end testing setup included Airspan’s AirVelocity indoor solution and AirSpeed outdoor solution, both 5G Open RAN compliant, split 7.2 Radio Units (RUs) operating in the n48 (CBRS) standalone band. Tests included both lab and over-the-air field trials.

“This 5G milestone using the Snapdragon X60 5G Modem-RF System in the CBRS n48 band will help enable the full capabilities of 5G,” said Sanjeev Athalye, senior director, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “This achievement will pave the way for the development of mobile devices leveraging CBRS spectrum for consumer and enterprise use cases.”

“Airspan continues to be at the forefront of leading and enhancing the 5G ecosystem leveraging our end-to-end Open RAN solutions. This comprehensive series of tests will help provide a roadmap to manufacture the next generation of 5G devices using CBRS spectrum, that will leverage Airspan’s innovative 5G and Open RAN software and hardware solutions,” said Airspan President and CEO Eric Stonestrom.

The series of tests included:

• All stages to establish successful 5G calls (PHY/MAC software layers)
• Download and upload data transfer tests for maximum connectivity and throughput
• Link adaption
  • Interoperability with 5G networks
  • Modulation adaptation to overcome interference
  • Work with numerous spectrum frequencies
  • Pushing the reliability of cell site to cell site handoffs as well as stationary usage performance
• Radio Link Failure (RLF) and recovery
  • Important test to determine how quickly a network recovers a call due to limited coverage or interference; the goal is for the network to adapt in less than a second, so the customer using wireless devices maintains connectivity
• Mobility scenarios

About Airspan

Airspan Networks Holdings Inc. (NYSE American: MIMO) is a U.S.-based provider of groundbreaking, disruptive software and hardware for 5G networks, and a pioneer in end-to-end Open RAN solutions that provide interoperability with other vendors. As a result of innovative technology and significant R&D investments to build and expand 5G solutions, Airspan believes it is well-positioned with 5G indoor and outdoor, Open RAN, private networks for enterprise customers and industrial use applications, fixed wireless access (FWA), and CBRS solutions to help mobile network operators of all sizes deploy their networks of the future, today. With over one million cells shipped to 1,000 customers in more than 100 countries, Airspan has global scale. For more information, visit www.airspan.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about, Airspan Networks Holdings Inc.’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to, new products and services. Any such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Airspan’s management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond Airspan’s control.

Actual results, and new product performance or achievements may differ materially, and potentially adversely, from any forward-looking statements and the assumptions on which those forward-looking statements are based. There can be no assurance that the data contained herein is reflective of future performance to any degree. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: challenges implementing new technology, customer resistance to adopting or implementing the new product or competitive response from larger, better financed competitors; risks inherent in international operations and supply chain; and such other factors as discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of our registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 10, 2021. All information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof in the case of information about Airspan or the date of such information in the case of information from persons other than Airspan, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.

Qualcomm is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

Qualcomm 5G RAN Platform is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005641/en/

Airspan Media Contact:

Howie Waterman

Airspan

917-359-5505

hwaterman@airspan.com

Source: Airspan Networks Holdings Inc.

FAQ

What recent achievement did Airspan Networks Holdings Inc. (MIMO) reach in 5G technology?

Airspan announced the successful completion of interoperability tests for 5G and Open RAN technology using CBRS spectrum.

How will the recent tests impact the deployment of 5G devices by Airspan (MIMO)?

The tests will pave the way for the manufacturing and deployment of next-generation 5G devices utilizing the CBRS spectrum.

What percentage of U.S. smartphones is expected to support CBRS by 2023 according to SNS Telecom?

Approximately 90% of U.S. smartphone shipments are estimated to support CBRS by 2023.

What technology was used in the 5G interoperability tests announced by Airspan (MIMO)?

The tests utilized Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X60 5G Modem-RF System in conjunction with Airspan's Open RAN platform.