ZTE Corp. and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. say they achieved the first 5G-enabled Voice over New Radio (5G VoNR) call over the 700 MHz band using commercial products at the Xi’an Test Base.

The call was performed in compliance with 3GPP Release 15 specifications over the 700 MHz spectrum band (n28) by utilizing ZTE’s 5G NR base station and a 5G smartphone form factor test device powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF System.

The test validated the full functionality and high quality of the end-to-end VoNR services, laying a foundation for the industry to achieve large-scale commercial rollouts in the 700 MHz band.

700 MHz is an optimal frequency band that provides wide coverage, strong penetration and service continuity, which are important aspects not only for mobile users but also new vertical enterprise customers.

ZTE and Qualcomm Technologies are working together to develop the necessary end-to-end capabilities for networks, devices and business platforms to allow operators to deliver a full service offering including voice and data.

To fully support the commercial rollouts of 700 MHz in China, ZTE has stepped up its research and development efforts related to the 700 MHz band, and introduced a full range of end-to-end products, while working in tandem with Qualcomm Technologies in device development and interoperability tests of 700 MHz services to meet early demand for its commercialization in China.

“We at Qualcomm Technologies have achieved a series of milestones with industry leaders to support the progression of 5G, and this collaboration with ZTE showcases the Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF System’s leadership in supporting all key 5G spectrum bands as specified by 3GPP, a landmark in the evolution of 5G,” said Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager, 4G/5G, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “The success of VoNR over 700MHz shows how we can enable global OEMs and operators to deliver high-quality voice services without having to rely on VoLTE (Voice over LTE) or an LTE anchor, unlocking 5G’s ability to power worldwide connectivity capabilities.”