250 Mbit/s guaranteed download bandwidth via a mobile network, with no volume limit. This is now available in parts of Austria in the 5G standalone network from Drei.
For the first time, private customers can book Internet access with a guaranteed minimum bandwidth via a mobile network. The Austrian mobile network operator 3 (Hutchison Drei Austria) put the first commercial 5G standalone network (5G SA, i.e. also with a 5G core network) into operation on Thursday and launched corresponding tariffs. “As of today, our Austria-wide network is fully equipped with a 5G core network,” explained 3 Technology Manager Matthias Baldermann, “All our existing 5G transmission sites are activated for 5G+.”
“5G+” is the promotional label chosen by Drei for 5G SA. To begin with, the Chinese-owned network operator will reach the homes of 1.3 million households and companies. You can now use one of the four “Fix 5G+” tariffs Reserve.
The warranty
These tariffs promise up to 100, 150, 250 or 500 Mbit/s download bandwidth, half of which are guaranteed by three. That should be a world premiere in the consumer market, as even the most expensive tariff only costs 52.25 euros per month. The cheapest tariff with a download guarantee is already available for 34.25 euros. There are no quantitative restrictions on the transmission volume, as the tariffs are expressly intended to compete with cable and fiber optic connections.
Depending on the tariff, uploads run at 15, 20, 30 or 50 Mbit/s, which Drei does not guarantee. If voice tariffs are also running via the same customer account, Drei grants a discount. In contrast to commercial service level agreements (SLA), Drei does not promise a contractual penalty in the event of poor performance, but only grants the right to terminate the contract. International roaming is not provided with the “Fix 5G +” tariffs.
Network slicing makes it possible
Technically, Drei achieves the bandwidth guarantee through network slicing. The customer is virtually assigned their own network. According to Dreis, network slicing is a world first for consumers. None of the other three dozen 5G SA network operators worldwide would offer that.
A prerequisite for Drei’s guarantee is use with the 5G modem purchased from Drei at the location for which the contract was concluded. Depending on the location, Drei offers modems for outdoor installation (ZTE MC7010 without WLAN from zero euros) or for installation indoors (ZTE MC801A with Wifi 6 WLAN from zero euros). The access may also be used elsewhere or with other end devices, but then the guarantee does not apply, understandably.
The fine print of 3 verbatim
“In any case, you can use the certified network test of the Austrian regulatory authority (www.netztest.at) or speed tests of established providers (e.g. Ookla) to check the guaranteed bandwidth. Testing to the extent of 3 tests in a week is used for proper assessment and achievement of a meaningful result, 2 of which are carried out between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The test must be carried out via LAN or, in the case of a measurement via WLAN, in the immediate vicinity of the WLAN router or mesh.
If the actual bandwidth is permanently below the bandwidth guaranteed as part of the bandwidth guarantee, you have the right to terminate your contract prematurely. The statutory warranty rights remain unaffected.”
