In a significant leap forward, Vodafone, in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies and Ericsson, has wrapped up trials of 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) technology in the UK with promising results. The recent tests underscore the potential of mmWave spectrum in delivering faster speeds and handling high data demand scenarios effectively.
The trials leveraged Ericsson’s advanced antenna-integrated radio technology along with devices powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF Systems. Vodafone’s first trial focused on Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) to deliver fiber-like broadband speeds without needing extensive underground infrastructure. Conducted in Newbury, this trial successfully demonstrated broadband connectivity speeds reaching 4Gbps, evidencing the practicality of mmWave for high-speed home internet.
Another compelling use case demonstrated was for media companies. The high upload speeds of mmWave can support wireless connectivity for cameras and broadcasting equipment. This offers a cost-effective solution to cover events that are challenging for traditional setups due to logistics or cost barriers.
The second trial took place at a football stadium in London with a 20,000-person capacity to test network congestion relief. Here, download speeds reached up to 2.8Gbps using Snapdragon-powered smartphones, even reaching 500Mbps for locations with indirect line-of-sight to transmitters. The tests underscored mmWave’s effectiveness in crowded environments where data demand is intense.
Beyond consumer benefits, mmWave holds significant promise for businesses needing low-latency connections, such as in factory automation, robotics, and telemedicine. Vodafone’s trials point towards a new standard in connectivity experiences, opening the door to transformative applications.
Andrea Dona, Vodafone UK’s chief network officer, highlighted mmWave’s niche but impactful nature, noting its potential to elevate customer experiences significantly when applied in key sites. “This trial demonstrates how we can significantly improve customer experience by strategically targeting today’s challenges,” Dona remarked.
Dino Flore, vice president of technology at Qualcomm Europe, emphasized the capacity and speed gains mmWave brings, improving connectivity at home or in public arenas. Evangelia Tzifa from Ericsson further added that these trials exhibit the transformative potential of mmWave technology, anticipating new advanced use cases across sectors.
