Vodafone, Qualcomm, and Ericsson Break New Ground with 5G mmWave Trials

Vodafone Qualcomm Ericsson

Vodafone, in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies Inc., and Ericsson, has demonstrated the capabilities of 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) technology through two successful trials conducted in the UK.

The trials showcased the advantages of 5G mmWave, which operates on a higher frequency than traditional networks, enabling faster data transmission, greater network capacity, lower latency, and improved overall performance.

The tests utilized Ericsson’s Radio System equipment, including the AIR 5322 antenna-integrated radio and Baseband 6651, along with devices featuring the Snapdragon® X65 5G Modem-RF System.

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mmWave for Over-the-Air Broadband

The use of mmWave frequencies in 5G networks allows for more devices to connect simultaneously without network congestion, laying the groundwork for future innovative applications and services.

The first trial explored how the advanced download and upload capabilities of mmWave spectrum can provide fiber-like broadband services over-the-air, eliminating the need for extensive underground infrastructure. The test was conducted in Newbury, utilizing the full spectrum bandwidth (800 MHz of mmWave spectrum).

The trial demonstrated impressive speeds within 100 meters of the mast, with devices from Askey, ZTE, and a Netgear MiFi featuring the Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System reaching peak download speeds of up to 4 Gbps and upload speeds of 500 Mbps. At a distance of 400 meters, download speeds peaked at 2.3 Gbps, with uploads reaching 200 Mbps.

Even at the coverage zone’s edge (up to 700 meters), download speeds remained strong at 500 Mbps. Additionally, the trial showed a significant reduction in latency—four-to-five times lower than current 5G networks.

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Successful 5G mmWave Use Cases

Beyond home broadband applications, the increased upload capabilities could enable new uses, such as wirelessly connecting cameras and broadcasting equipment, offering a cost-effective and flexible option for media companies to cover events that would otherwise be difficult to manage.

The next trial took place in a London football stadium (which can accommodate 20,000 fans) and aimed to alleviate network congestion caused by numerous devices connecting simultaneously. The mmWave spectrum’s higher capacity can enhance connectivity for more users at once, thereby improving the overall customer experience.

Using a commercial smartphone powered by Snapdragon, the trial achieved peak download speeds of up to 2.8 Gbps with clear views to the mast, and 500 Mbps in areas without direct line-of-sight.

Additionally, mmWave technology has demonstrated promising results when integrated with low-latency applications in the business, factory automation, robotics, remote training, and surgery niches.

Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer, Vodafone UK, said, “While mmWave is a niche technology for mobile network operators in the UK, the uplift to customer experience will be incredible. With installations on a small number of sites, millions of people could benefit multiple times per week. This trial demonstrates how we can significantly improve customer experience by strategically targeting today’s challenges.”

Telecommunications companies typically utilize a variety of spectrum frequencies to link devices to the broader network. Each frequency has distinct characteristics, which leads to different benefits.

Dino Flore, Vice President of Technology at Qualcomm Europe, Inc., expressed that he is enthused by the prospect of collaborating with Vodafone and Ericsson. Flore added, “The trials in the UK demonstrate the significant capacity and speed improvements that mmWave offers, enabling ultra-fast and reliable connectivity experiences, whether at home or in a stadium.”

Evangelia Tzifa, Chief Technology Officer, Networks & Managed Services, Ericsson UK and Ireland, stated, “Our successful trials with Vodafone and Qualcomm demonstrate the potential of mmWave technology to revolutionize connectivity experiences. With the ability to deliver fiber-like speeds, and support for massively dense traffic environments, such as stadiums, mmWave opens the door to transformative connectivity experiences for mobile users, as well as new advanced use cases across various sectors.”

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