- In a groundbreaking achievement for European telecommunications, Nokia and BT Group have successfully aggregated the 5G Standalone (SA) spectrum using 5CC carrier aggregation (CA), making BT the first European operator to accomplish this significant milestone.
- This achievement marks a new era in mobile connectivity, significantly boosting data rates for customers by amalgamating all mid-band radio spectrum to deliver higher-speed connections when needed.
OUR TAKE
The successful aggregation of the 5G Standalone spectrum by Nokia and BT Group is a kind of monumental leap for European telecommunications. As we stand on the cusp of a new era in mobile connectivity, it’s clear that such advancements will play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demands for high-speed internet. The future of 5G looks promising.
–Miurio huang, BTW reporter
What happened
In a groundbreaking achievement for European telecommunications, Nokia and BT Group have successfully aggregated the 5G Standalone (SA) spectrum using 5CC carrier aggregation (CA), making BT the first European operator to accomplish this significant milestone.
This advancement was made possible through a device powered by Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF system. This development promises enhanced data rates and improved user experiences, particularly in high-demand areas. The forthcoming launch of EE’s 5G SA network later this year will further harness a low-frequency sixth carrier, ensuring superior performance and connectivity even indoors.
Previously, in 2023, BT and Nokia demonstrated the feasibility of 4CC CA in 5G SA downlink with concurrent 2CC CA in 5G uplink. Today’s announcement underscores their continuous advancement, now achieving greater performance uplift in device-to-network connections by increasing throughput and capacity.
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Why it’s important
This achievement marks a new era in mobile connectivity, significantly boosting data rates for customers by amalgamating all mid-band radio spectrum to deliver higher-speed connections when needed.
As more devices with 5CC CA capabilities enter the market, the ability to maximise spectrum assets becomes crucial for delivering the best customer experiences. Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group, emphasised the importance of this milestone, stating that it enhances 5G SA performance and is essential for future network launches.
Mark Atkinson, SVP and Head of RAN at Nokia, highlighted the significance of this trial, noting that multi-component carrier aggregation helps mobile operators maximise their radio network assets, providing the highest 5G data rates to subscribers in more locations. This achievement sets a new benchmark in the telecommunications industry, demonstrating the pivotal role of strategic partnerships in driving technological innovation and enhancing consumer experiences.
