What's Happening?
Vodafone has conducted what it claims to be the world's first live network test using 6GHz spectrum on a commercially available smartphone chipset. The trial, held in Hannover, Germany, utilized MediaTek's M90 modem over a 200MHz channel, achieving download speeds of 2.5 Gbps through 5G carrier aggregation. This test demonstrated the potential of larger 6GHz bandwidth to 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. 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 of 6GHz spectrum by Vodafone marks a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile networks, particularly as global standards for 6G are being developed. The ability to achieve higher data throughput without additional energy consumption is crucial for supporting the increasing demand from AI and data-intensive applications. This development could lead to more cost-effective and efficient mobile networks, potentially reducing capacity costs by 40%. The EU's upcoming decision on 6GHz allocation will be pivotal in determining Europe's leadership in 6G and high-performance connectivity, impacting the digital transformation across the continent.
What's Next?
The Radio Spectrum Policy Group, advising the European Commission, is expected to issue its final opinion on the long-term use of the 6GHz band. This decision will shape Europe's digital future and influence the deployment of 5G and 6G technologies. Vodafone and other European mobile operators are advocating for the full availability of the upper 6GHz band to support evolving network demands and address future congestion. The outcome of this decision will have significant implications for the telecommunications industry and the broader digital economy.
