Qualcomm Technologies and China Broadcasting Network (CBN) announced that the two companies successfully achieved what they claim is the world’s first large-bandwidth 2×30-megahertz 5G data call demonstration in the 700 MHz (Band n28) FDD spectrum band.
This demonstration was operated in compliance with the 2×30-megahertz technical specifications of CBN’s 700 MHz FDD band and utilized a 5G smartphone form factor mobile test device powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF System.
Qualcomm said that this demonstration achieved download speeds of more than 300 Mbps and paves the way for CBN to accelerate commercial 5G rollouts across China.
In addition, Qualcomm Technologies has worked together with Vivo, ZTE, Quectel, Fibocom and Gosuncn to launch the first batch of commercial 5G devices that support CBN’s 700 MHz including smartphones, CPE and 5G modules, all powered by the Snapdragon 865 5G Mobile Platform and/or the Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF System.
In June last year, CBN received a 5G commercial license granted by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. CBN’s 700 MHz 5G FDD band is an optimal frequency band to provide wide coverage, fast speeds, strong penetration, and service continuity.
In March 2020, CBN’s technical proposal of large-bandwidth 700 MHz 2×30-megzhertz has been adopted by 3GPP and enlisted in global 5G standards, making it the world’s first global 5G standard for large-bandwidth 5G low-band (sub-1GHz) spectrum and setting a new benchmark for the utilization of global 5G low-band spectrum resources.
“Qualcomm Technologies is excited to work with CBN and the industry to continue to advance key technologies that are instrumental for 5G commercialization worldwide,” said Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager, 4G/5G, Qualcomm Technologies. “It is of great significance to achieve the wideband FDD 2x30MHz 5G data call in the 700MHz band with CBN. We are also proud to see the first wave of commercial 5G mobile devices supporting 700MHz powered by our Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF systems and are set to provide strong support for CBN’s deployment of 5G devices and services.”
“Over the past year, we have been actively advancing international standardization and nationwide construction of large-bandwidth 700MHz networks,” said Qingjun Zeng, deputy general manager at China Broadcasting Network. “Our collaborative effort with Qualcomm Technologies in achieving the world’s first large-bandwidth 700MHz Band 2×30 MHz 5G call marks a great step towards our construction of high-quality 5G networks over the 700MHz band.”
China Broadcasting Network is a Chinese state-owned carrier, established in May 2014. CBN is the sole network operator in China authorized by the government to operate nationwide network providing cable TV, mobile, fixed broadband, satellite communication services as well as providing public safety services. CBN was granted 5G license by the Chinese government June 2019, becoming one of the four 5G carriers in China, and announced plan to deploy a nationwide 700 MHz 5G network in cooperation with China Mobile in May 2020.
That agreement will enable China Mobile to improve its coverage using fewer base stations than with its 2.6 GHz network, particularly in rural regions across China.
Under the terms of the agreement, CBN will have access to China Mobile’s 2.6 GHz network and will also receive guidance and investment from the mobile operator. This will allow CBN to deploy its commercial 5G network more rapidly, significantly reducing its projected investment costs.
