Vodafone has tested a new 5G technology in Germany and Spain, achieving download speeds close to 1.8 gigabits-per-second (Gbps) using a new smartphone.
Vodafone, in association with chipset supplier Qualcomm Technologies and smartphone brand Xiaomi, has used enhanced technology to improve data and video transmission from the radio network over 5G to mobile devices.
The technology, known as 1024 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), significantly enhances current systems (256 QAM) by packing more data into each transmission, resulting in faster download speeds and increased network capacity. This enhancement is expected to free up additional bandwidth at mobile sites, improving the overall experience for customers.
1.8 Gbps Peak Speed Achieved
Vodafone engineers, utilizing the Xiaomi 14 Ultra smartphone, equipped with the Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System, recorded impressive results. In Germany, Vodafone engineers observed throughput improvement of around 20 percent over a distance of up to 600 meters on the commercial network. At Vodafone’s 5G test centre in Ciudad Real, Spain, they achieved peak 5G download speeds nearing 1.8 Gbps. Under ideal conditions, this speed could translate to a capacity gain of up to 25 percent.
The 1024 QAM technology, anticipated to become widely available by 2025, is particularly suited for supporting multiple customers in busy areas, such as shopping centres or high streets.
Alberto Ripepi, Chief Network Officer of Vodafone, stated: “Our customers will benefit from a head start when the next generation smartphones become more widely available, and we can offer our technical expertise to partners and other providers through our new commercial model.”
Dino Flore, Vice President of Technology at Qualcomm Europe, said: “The successful trials conducted in Germany and Spain with Vodafone and Xiaomi are proof that we are continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible with 5G technology.”
Guoquan Zhang, General Manager of Xiaomi Software Department, expressed: “It demonstrates how Xiaomi is actively driving and showing innovation in the 5G space.”
Efficiency Gains
Earlier, Vodafone, Qualcomm Technologies and Xiaomi achieved upload speeds of up to 273 megabits-per-second (Mbps) using another innovative technology, more than doubling the average uplink speed of today’s smartphones and home broadband services.
For the test, Vodafone engineers used 1024 QAM with a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) spectrum band on the 3.5 GHz frequency, which benefits from 1024 QAM due to its widespread assignment for 5G and mobile broadband applications. Vodafone will continue testing 1024 QAM-compatible networking equipment and devices ahead of their commercial deployment.
