Telco demonstrated download speeds of 1 Gbps in live LTE network with Ericsson.
Singapore telecommunications operator Singtel announced the nationwide deployment of LTE-Advanced services capable of supporting network speeds up to 450 megabits per second. The telco said the service is available to all customers with compatible devices at no additional charge.
The LTE upgrade includes use of 256 quadrature amplitude modulation technology, which is said to elevate spectral efficiency. Customers with Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge devices have immediate access to the increased speeds, with more compatible smartphone models expected to be launched in the coming months.
In related news, Singtel and Ericsson demonstrated download speeds of up to one gigabit per second in a live network pilot at two sites in Pasir Ris. The download speed were achieved by deploying 256 QAM downlink, 4×4 multiple-input/multiple-output antenna technology and triple carrier aggregation support.
Singtel plans to progressively rollout 4×4 MIMO technology on its network starting next year at selected high-traffic locations. Supporting mobile devices are expected to be ready by the end of this year.
“Achieving 1 Gbps speeds on our live network marks a significant milestone in our journey to ‘5G.’ We’re focused on driving further network innovation to extend our leadership and deliver the benefits of the latest technological advances to meet our customers’ digital lifestyle needs,” said Yuen Kuan, CEO of Singtel’s Singapore consumer business.
The telco initially launched commercial LTE services in December 2011, and currently offers service using spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands.