UK-based telecom Virgin Mobile O2, which is a joint venture between Liberty Global’s Virgin Media and Telefónica’s O2, has selected Samsung to run its 4G and 5G trails, media reports said.
In a statement, Samsung explained that it will access the interoperability between its newer technology with Virgin Media O2’s 2G and 3G legacy infrastructure. The Korean firm will also use its 4G/5G baseband unit and 5G Massive MIMO radios, as well as 4G radios on both low-band and mid-band spectrums to run the trails.
Woojune Kim, head of global sales and marketing for the Networks Business at Samsung Electronics told the media, “With this trial, we are excited to join hands with Virgin Media O2 to demonstrate the readiness of our 5G network solutions for deployment in the UK and our capabilities in bringing immersive and reliable 4G and 5G mobile experiences to users.”
Last year, Liberty Global, which owns Virgin Media and Telefonica, which owns O2, decided to merge their UK operations in a $38.55 billion deal to create the UK’s largest telco.
Both Liberty Global and Telefonica own 50 percent each of the new joint venture. Back then, it was revealed that the board of directors for the new company will have eight members four O2 and four from Virgin. Additionally, the chairman’s position for the new company will be altered every two years.