Telstra has achieved a world-first 5G download speed record of 5Gbps after the successful completion of a test on the Gold Coast in collaboration with Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies.
This builds on the previous record of 4.2Gbps maximum download speed record in September 2020 using mmWave 5G.
The 5G test was performed at the 5G Innovation Centre on the Gold Coast using a smartphone form factor mobile test device.
The continued effort with Ericsson (who is building out the Telstra 5G network) and Qualcomm Technologies (the chip manufacturer building the antenna modules) will help Telstra unlock key learnings and implement them in the near future.
The record was achieved with the Ericsson Radio System base station for mmWave with a smartphone device powered by the Qualcomm SnapDragon X60 5G modem RF system with third generation Qualcomm QTM535 mmWave antenna modules.
The 5Gbps speeds were once again achieved using mmWave technology which will become a part of the Telstra 5G networks in the near future.
“We’re pleased to have yet again increased our existing network peak speed record as we deploy 5G and ready ourselves for this year’s upcoming mmWave spectrum auction,” says Nikos Katinakis, Telstra Group Executive Networks & IT.
“In an era of increased demand for flawless connectivity, it gives us great pleasure to provide our customers with enhanced network capabilities such as the use of mmWave and our other spectrum assets.”
mmWave is a faster flavour of 5G than Sub 6 (the technology currently being used) but it doesn’t have the same range as Sub 6.
We can expect mmWave to be used in densely populated areas like CBDs, sporting stadiums, train stations and airports.
“Since achieving a world-first milestone with the 2Gbps LTE technology back in 2018, we have worked tirelessly with Telstra and Qualcomm Technologies to consistently innovate and provide Australians with the best 5G technology,” says Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand.
“This announcement today is a testament to that dedication, and we look forward to seeing Australians reap the benefits as we move into 2021.”
Durga Malladi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, 4G/5G, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. says: “We are proud to have been a part of this significant mmWave milestone of reaching download speeds of 5 Gbps. 5G mmWave will enable many new use cases for consumers and businesses as well as enable many of today’s mobile devices to take advantage of its enhanced network capacity, multi-gigabit speeds and low latency.
“We look forward to our close, ongoing collaboration with Telstra and Ericsson in driving commercial 5G mmWave in Australia in 2021.”
Optus is also testing mmWave technology and have achieved speeds exceeding 4Gbps.
In October 2020, Optus set a record on the Sub 6 5G network of 2.8Gbps.
