Vodafone is introducing a new 5G technology in Germany which will enable customers to upload their photos, videos and files to social media sites and the cloud up to 30% faster.
This technology, known as Uplink Carrier Aggregation with Tx Switching, combines multiple transmission channels used between a smartphone and the mobile antenna to offer upload speeds as high as 200 Mbps. Like adding more lanes to a highway, it is available in Vodafone's live network and is initially supported by Xiaomi's smartphones, the 15 Ultra and 17 Ultra, with more handset brands and models expected to join soon.
Raising upload speeds
The smartphone can also alternate between two transmission modes, with one of them using MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) technology to efficiently optimise the uplink speed in crowded areas and indoors. While mobile traffic is mostly downloads (about 90%) due to streaming and web browsing, uploads are expected to grow especially with new AI uses, including in smart glasses and connected cars.
Vodafone's 5G upgrade follows comprehensive testing in Hanover, Germany, and in the Spanish city of Ciudad Real, where engineers achieved peak upload speeds of 273Mbps. The tests were performed under controlled conditions whereas real network speeds may vary based on the amount of traffic and other factors. Now, this technology is commercially available using Ericsson radio equipment within mobile base stations.
Among the first in Europe
Fabrizo Rocchio, Head of Networks at Vodafone Germany, said: "Following rigorous testing, we are ready to let our customers be among the first in Europe to benefit from this new 5G feature. Today's uplink boost is the latest 5G Advanced innovation from Vodafone."
Yongmin Huo, General Manager of Product Technology Department at Xiaomi, added: "Together with Vodafone, we are delighted to bring this feature live. This technique unlocks a substantial increase in uplink capacity and throughput. Our journey doesn't stop here – we'll keep working together to push the limits of technology and deliver an even stronger 5G experience."
5G Standalone
Vodafone is contributing to the advancement of this technology by bringing together high-performing 5G Standalone (5G SA) network technology, advanced chipsets and the latest smartphones.
Today's initiative supports Vodafone's rollout of 5G SA in Germany (the first in the EU) and in other markets. The company will progressively update sites to support Uplink Carrier Aggregation with Tx Switching as new devices become available.
Source: https://www.vodafone.com/news/newsroom/technology/vodafone-boosts-5g-upload-speeds-in-germany
