In a groundbreaking collaboration, Vodafone, Qualcomm Technologies, and Xiaomi have achieved remarkable milestones in advancing 5G technology. Vodafone Qualcomm Xiaomi 5g Trials

Recently conducted trials in Germany and Spain have showcased download speeds nearing 1.8Gbps, setting a new benchmark in the telecommunications industry.

Trialling 1024 QAM TDD Technology

The core of this achievement lies in the implementation of 1024 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), a significant upgrade from the current 256 QAM standard. This enhancement allows for packing more data into each transmission, thereby facilitating faster downloads over 5G networks.

During these trials, Vodafone utilized time division duplexing (TDD) technology operating on the 3.5GHz spectrum band. This approach enables efficient data transmission within predefined time slots on the same frequency, optimizing network capacity and throughput.

1.8 Gbps Peak Speed

Using Xiaomi’s smartphone, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, equipped with its latest Snapdragon® X75 5G Modem-RF System, Vodafone engineers recorded excellent results. In Germany, the team measured a throughput improvement on the commercial network of around 20% over a distance of up to 600 meters, and at its 5G test center in Ciudad Real, Spain, they achieved a peak 5G download speed of nearly 1.8 Gbps. Theoretically, 1.8 Gbps could provide a capacity gain of up to 25% in ideal conditions.

The technology, which Vodafone expects to become more widely available during 2025, is suited to supporting multiple customers close to a mobile site in busy areas such as a shopping center or high street.

– Enhanced Throughput: Achieving a 20% improvement in throughput in commercial networks.
– Peak Download Speed: Nearly 1.8Gbps observed at Vodafone’s 5G test center in Ciudad Real, Spain.

Uplink Carrier Aggregation and Tx Switching

Earlier tests also included Uplink Carrier Aggregation with Tx switching, which demonstrated peak upload speeds of up to 273Mbps. This advancement is crucial as it significantly exceeds the typical upload speeds of most current smartphones and home broadband services.

Impact on Spectrum Efficiency

The implementation of 1024 QAM not only boosts download speeds but also optimizes spectrum efficiency. This efficiency enhancement translates into more available bandwidth at mobile sites, improving overall network performance for all users.

– Capacity Boost: Up to 25% increase in capacity under ideal conditions.
– Commercial Deployment: Expected availability across networks by 2025.

Driving Innovation Forward

Alberto Ripepi, Chief Network Officer of Vodafone, said: “Vodafone is at the forefront of the next wave of innovation in 5G. 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, Technology of Qualcomm Europe, Inc. added: “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, said: “We are honored to have collaborated with Vodafone and Qualcomm on this achievement. It demonstrates how Xiaomi is actively driving and showing innovation in the 5G space.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the collaboration between Vodafone, Qualcomm, and Xiaomi represents a significant leap forward in 5G technology. With trials demonstrating unprecedented speeds and efficiency gains, the future of telecommunications is poised for remarkable advancements. Vodafone Qualcomm Xiaomi 5g Trials