Before the days of super-fast 4G/LTE networks, cellular download speeds were decidedly uninspiring.
Fortunately, we’re already approaching the next evolution in mobile network technology, and 5G trial results are looking seriously impressive.
One of the forerunner partnerships for 5G research is between China’s Huawei and Japan’s NTT Docomo network.
As reported by BGR, the pair have managed to achieve peak data speeds of 3.6Gbps using a sub-6GHz band – that’s much higher than the 300Mbit/s offered by EE’s LTE-A network.
We’ve already seen higher speeds in controlled laboratory environments, for instance Nokia’s 10Gps 5G test on the 73GHz band.
Similarly, Samsung managed 7.5Gbps speeds using the 28GHz band.
However, this latest test was conducted out in the field, resulting in more realistic speeds.
“As the first in the world to succeed with such a large multi-user environment test, this is an important milestone,” explained Takehiro Nakamura, NTT Docomo’s VP of 5G.
Nakamura continued: “This is very encouraging as the industry works to commercialise 5G by 2020. Both Huawei and Docomo teams have made tremendous efforts. I look forward to even more impressive results when we move to the next phase of field trial in Japan.”
Related: Best Android Smartphones
Unfortunately, we’re still years off from having 5G networks in the UK.
Regardless, it’s a good sign that when the next generation of cellular data networks land here in Blighty, we can expend very respectable download speeds.
“This joint field trial represents a significant advance toward fulfilling Huawei’s commitment to developing 5G technology standards before 2018,” said Dr. Wen Tong, CTO of Huawei Wireless.
Tong added: “Results like these show we are making rapid progress and are on the right path. I am confident that was we have learned here will be reflected in even more innovative technological advances as we continue working on 5G research.”
Check out our smartphone buyer’s video guide below:
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
