Vodafone Conducts World-First 6GHz Spectrum Test, Promising Enhanced Connectivity

What's Happening?

Vodafone has successfully completed what it claims to be the world's first live network test using 6 GHz spectrum on a commercially available smartphone chipset. The test, conducted in Hannover, Germany, utilized MediaTek's M90 modem operating over a 200MHz channel, achieving record download speeds of 2.5 Gbps through 5G carrier aggregation. This demonstration showed that larger 6 GHz bandwidth can double mobile data throughput without increasing energy consumption. Vodafone's engineers also recorded uplink speeds of up to 180 Mbps in public indoor environments, which is crucial for next-generation AI-driven applications such as smart glasses and autonomous vehicles. The operator estimates that 200MHz channels could improve capacity costs by over 40% compared to 100MHz channels, offering a path to more efficient spectrum use amid growing network demand.

Why It's Important?

The successful test by Vodafone marks a significant step in the evolution of mobile connectivity, particularly as Europe positions itself for a digital future. The ability to double data throughput without additional energy consumption is crucial as demand for high-speed internet continues to rise, driven by AI and data-intensive applications. The EU's upcoming decision on 6 GHz allocation will be pivotal in determining whether Europe can lead in 6G and high-performance connectivity. This development could significantly impact the telecommunications industry, potentially reducing costs and improving efficiency, which is vital for maintaining competitiveness in the global market.

What's Next?

The Radio Spectrum Policy Group, which advises the European Commission, is expected to issue its final opinion on the long-term use of the 6 GHz band soon. This decision will shape Europe's digital transformation and determine the continent's leadership in 6G technology. As global standards for 6G evolve, led by industry body 3GPP, the focus will be on improved spectrum and energy efficiency, with new software features expected from 2030 over channels of at least 200MHz.