Vodafone, Xiaomi, and Qualcomm Technologies Inc have successfully tested a new 5G technology that will pave the way for customers to get faster upload speeds and wider coverage with the arrival of new smartphones and devices expected during 2024.
In the first European technical test of this advanced 5G uplink technology, Vodafone, Qualcomm, and Xiaomi achieved peak upload speeds of up to 273 megabits-per-second (Mbps).
The enhanced 5G technology raises upload speeds closer to download levels whilst also extending coverage and increasing capacity.
Better uplink capabilities will enable customers to upload their photos, videos and files to social media sites and the cloud at almost double the speed possible today when next-generation devices arrive later this year.
This is important to meet the growing demand for cloud storage, video streaming, augmented and virtual reality applications and multi-player gaming.
This technological breakthrough is made possible using the advanced capabilities of 5G SA. Specifically, the ability to enhance the uplink performance using a technique called Uplink Carrier Aggregation with Tx Switching which combines multiple transmission channels supported by the smartphone and the mobile antenna.
Whereas most existing 5G services offered by telecoms companies rely partly on 4G technology, known as 5G non-standalone, Vodafone is pioneering the rollout of 5G SA.
The company has launched it commercially in Germany (the first in the EU) and the UK, while also running pilots in other markets, and will progressively update sites to support Uplink Carrier Aggregation with Tx Switching as new devices become available.
The successful pilot test of UL Tx switching highlights the added value that maximizes resource utilization with respect to user equipment’s capability and further enhances the uplink performance.
We are committed to working with key partners in innovating in 5G and access technologies to enhance the customer experience and stay ahead.