BT and Nokia have announced a significant advancement in the realm of 5G technology with the successful implementation of uplink aggregation in a live 5G Standalone (SA) network spectrum. This breakthrough holds significant implications for the ever-increasing demand for faster uplink speeds, a crucial factor in scenarios such as live-streaming and video calls.
Uplink aggregation involves the merging of two carrier components to enhance reliability and overall performance, catering to the surging data usage demands across various use-cases. The technique offers benefits such as optimizing spectrum resources and promoting energy efficiency, vital in the quest to provide seamless connectivity.
The achievement of 5G Carrier Aggregation over a 5G SA network is a pivotal milestone in delivering the high-performance 5G services that customers now expect. By integrating multiple transmission bands into a single connection, the capacity and speed delivered to customer devices can be significantly enhanced.
Previously, BT and Nokia had unveiled 5G SA 4CC CA downlink capabilities. This recent accomplishment of both 5G SA 2CC CA uplink and 4CC CA downlink simultaneously signifies a substantial leap in connection performance, translating into elevated throughput, capacity, and the potential for further uplink performance improvements in the future.
Testing was carried out at BT Group’s facility in Adastral Park, UK, leveraging Nokia’s 5G AirScale portfolio and a device powered by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.’s Snapdragon® 5G Modem-RF System. Speeds exceeding 230 Mbps in the uplink and over 1 Gbps in the downlink were achieved. This was demonstrated through the aggregation of different carrier components, showcasing the viability of the technology for practical implementation.
This achievement reinforces BT Group’s commitment to ensuring that their forthcoming 5G SA services through EE maintain their reputation for a superior 5G network experience for their customers. The collaboration between BT and Nokia reflects their collective dedication to technological advancement and the enhancement of user experiences.
Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group, expressed enthusiasm about the milestone, emphasizing that carrier aggregation is pivotal in delivering the best 5G experiences. Mark Atkinson, SVP of Radio Access Networks PLM at Nokia, lauded the achievement as a testament to Nokia’s leadership in 5G carrier aggregation technology.
Enrico Salvatori, Senior Vice President and President of Qualcomm Europe/MEA, highlighted the potential benefits of uplink carrier aggregation in offering a superior user experience, allowing for faster uploading and sharing of high-quality videos online.
The accomplishment underscores the ongoing collaboration between these industry leaders and their determination to shape the future of 5G connectivity.
