In a landmark development for the European telecom market, BT has claimed the title of the first operator on the continent to successfully achieve 5G 5CC carrier aggregation. This breakthrough, accomplished in collaboration with Nokia and Qualcomm, marks a significant step forward in the evolution of 5G technology and its potential to deliver unprecedented speeds and connectivity.

The Nuts and Bolts of BT’s 5G Triumph

The trial, conducted at BT’s R&D hub Adastral Park, utilized Nokia’s 5G AirScale portfolio and a device powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF system. By aggregating five component carriers (5CC) in 5G Standalone (SA) spectrum, the team managed to hit impressive downlink speeds of 1.85 Gbps.

This feat was achieved by combining:

• Three FDD carriers: NR2600 (30MHz), NR2100 (20MHz), and NR1800 (20MHz)
• Two TDD carriers: NR3600 (40+40MHz)

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

For the average user, this technical wizardry translates to a significant boost in data rates, particularly in high-demand areas. Imagine downloading your favorite series in seconds or experiencing lag-free video calls even in crowded city centers. That’s the promise of 5CC carrier aggregation.

EE’s 5G SA Network: The Next Frontier

While this trial is certainly cause for celebration, BT isn’t resting on its laurels. The company’s mobile network, EE, is gearing up to launch its 5G SA network later this year. And there’s more good news: they’re planning to add a sixth low-frequency carrier to the mix, which should enhance indoor coverage and provide a superior experience in more locations.

Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm: “This latest milestone… enhances 5G SA performance as we work towards the launch of our network, building further on the benefits of carrier aggregation in delivering greater throughput and speeds to customers.”

Nokia’s Mark Atkinson, SVP and Head of RAN, chimed in, highlighting the significance of this achievement in the broader context of 5G development.

The Road Ahead: A Global Race for 5G Supremacy

While BT may be leading the charge in Europe, the global race for 5G innovation is heating up. In January, T-Mobile in the US conducted a six-component carrier (6CC) aggregation call using sub-6-GHz spectrum on its live 5G network, claiming it as a world first.

As telecom giants continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with 5G, consumers stand to benefit from faster speeds, improved connectivity, and innovative new services. The future of mobile communication is looking brighter – and faster – than ever before.

Source: telecoms.com

Photo: https://newsroom.bt.com/