Ericsson and Qualcomm have moved one step closer to a commercial 5G network after conducting a successful test of a standalone 5G data connection. The test was carried out with Ericsson’s new radio software and 5G cloud core platform using a smartphone test device equipped with the Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF System from Qualcomm.

“This demonstrates that 5G network technologies continue to mature and that we are strengthening the 5G ecosystem,” said Ericsson Head of Product Area Networks Per Narvinger. “Service providers are already able to deliver the benefits of 5G technology, and now we are taking further steps to release the full potential of 5G, serving users and industries alike.”

According to Ericsson, the test was compliant with 3GPP 5G NR standards. The new technology will improve the quality of 5G coverage and offer better support for enterprise-level IoT applications. The transition from non-standalone 5G to standalone 5G is expected to occur in 2020.

The news is a major achievement for Ericsson, which has spent the past several years paving the way for a global 5G network. Qualcomm has also been at the forefront of the 5G movement, building a modem that has been popular for 5G trials and partnering with companies like Samsung and Google to promote further 5G development.