In a remarkable showcase of 5G capabilities, O2 Telefonica, a subsidiary of Spanish operator Telefonica, achieved download speeds of over 1.7 Gbps in a 5G Standalone (SA) trial. The pioneering test, conducted in collaboration with Nokia, took place within the Innovation Cluster in Potsdam. It represents a significant advancement in 5G technology by bundling four frequency bands.
The trial utilized existing 5G frequencies at 3.6 GHz and 700 MHz, along with the 1800 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands traditionally reserved for 4G. This method, known as carrier aggregation, allowed the merging of these frequency bands to reach new peak performances in 5G technology. Matthias Sauder, O2 Telefónica’s director of networks, highlighted the strategic importance of this development, stating, “O2 Telefónica is actively driving the future of digital networking for consumers and for the economy.”
The positive outcome of this test suggests growing potential for 5G technology, although actual deployment in real-world environments introduces additional complexities. While laboratory conditions offer ideal circumstances for testing, translating these results into commercial use demands infrastructure improvements and consistent network enhancements.
Currently, O2 Telefonica’s 5G service covers more than 96% of the German population. The test is part of wider strategies to broaden the reach and capacity of 5G technology. Recently, they have operationalized 5G on the 3.6 GHz frequencies across major German cities such as Berlin and Munich. Since launching the 5G SA network branded as 5G Plus in October 2023, O2 Telefonica has progressed with replacing its 5G services using NonStandalone (NSA) architecture.
The potential expansions and high speeds offer exciting possibilities for both consumers and businesses. Increased speeds enable enhanced connectivity for applications ranging from enriched multimedia services to sophisticated enterprise-level solutions. The real challenge remains in balancing the demand for ever-increasing data speeds with the complexities of deploying these technologies on a large scale.
Looking ahead, O2 Telefonica remains committed to delivering full 5G SA coverage throughout Germany by the end of 2025. Continued partnerships and technological advancements will be pivotal in achieving this ambitious goal. As the world leans more into digital solutions, the telecom sector stands at the forefront, paving the way for a more connected future.
