Nokia, Elisa, and Qualcomm Technologies, announced that they have hit record-breaking 5G uplink speeds of 2.1 Gbps. This was achieved in a live demonstration at the Nokia Arena in Tampere in Finland. The new record, which follows the 8Gbps downlink speeds announced in 2020, will enable Elisa to offer ultra-high-performing, low-latency services that will enhance the experience for visitors to the venue. The solution is expected to be fully deployed next year.
During the trial, Nokia provided its AirScale base station in 26 GHz mmWave spectrum over Elisa’s commercial 5G network. The network was connected to a 5G device powered by a Snapdragon® X65 5G Modem-RF System featuring fourth-generation Qualcomm QTM 545 mmWave antenna modules. Additionally, Nokia deployed its industry-leading Carrier Aggregation technology to make the best use of the available spectrum assets. The Carrier Aggregation setup included four component carriers of 100 MHz each.
The Nokia Arena is one of the first stadiums equipped with 5G mmWave. Uplink capabilities are important for new applications leveraging edge computing such as media broadcasting or high-definition streaming from the venue.
Once deployed, the service will create new opportunities for at-venue data services such as real-time multi-user 8K ultra-high-definition video streaming, and augmented reality content for smartphones or wearable devices for immersive experiences. Visitors to the Arena will also be able to watch live performances from 360º camera locations via VR headsets from the comfort of their seats.
Broadcasters will benefit from enhanced video capture to support ultra-high quality live reporting and content delivered to mobile devices and televisions. At the same time, 5G technology will support optimizing venue operations and critical functions such as security.
Snapdragon® X65 5G Modem :
Qualcomm Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System is the world’s first 10 Gigabit 5G and first 3GPP Release 16 modem-to-antenna solution. It is designed with an upgradable architecture to rapidly commercialize 5G Release 16 and extend 5G in mobile broadband, fixed wireless, industrial IoT and 5G private network applications.
Key Features :
• 10 Gbps peak speeds in 5G standalone and non-standalone modes
• 3GPP Release 16 support • Upgradable architecture for rapid feature rollout
• 5G mmWave-sub6 aggregation
• Global 5G band support including the new n259 (41 GHz), n70, n53
• Advanced power-saving tech
• Qualcomm® 5G PowerSave 2.0
• Qualcomm® Wideband Envelope Tracking (7th gen)
• Qualcomm® AI-Enhanced Signal Boost
Qualcomm® QTM545 mmWave Antenna Modules :
Qualcomm® 545 mmWave Antenna Module (QTM545) is our 4th generation mmWave solution for supporting global 5G mmWave bands with high transmit power for extended range, in the same module footprint as our previous generation. Pairing with Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X65 and X62 5G Modem-RF Systems, Qualcomm 545 is designed for outstanding power efficiency, and uplink and downlink performance with support for Qualcomm® 5G PowerSave 2.0 and Qualcomm® SmartTransmit™ 2.0 technology.
Key Features :
- 4th generation 5G mmWave antenna module
- Extended range
- Support for up to 1000 MHz of mmWave bandwidth
- Support for 24.25-27.5, 26.5-29.5 GHz, 27.5-28.35 GHz, 37-40 GHz, 39.5-43.5 GHz mmWave spectrum bands
- Supports Qualcomm® 5G PowerSave 2.0
- Supports Qualcomm® Smart Transmit 2.0 technology
Ari Kynäslahti, Head of Technology and Strategy at Nokia Mobile Networks, said: "5G mmWave stands out as an optimal solution for venues like stadiums, where large capacity and ultra-high data speeds are needed over a short distance for thousands of mobile users at the same time. Carrier Aggregation is the key to fully leveraging spectrum assets in different frequency bands. This successful project is another important milestone in our long-standing and well-established relationship with Elisa and Qualcomm Technologies. We look forward to seeing visitors enjoy innovative 5G experiences at the Nokia Arena soon."
Sami Komulainen, Executive Vice President, Production at Elisa, said: “Elisa is leading in the development of 5G services in Finland and this is yet another important step in our efforts to bring the fastest speeds and best 5G experiences to our customers. We previously announced reaching 8 Gbps downlink speeds with Nokia, and Qualcomm Technologies and now we have pushed the possibilities of 5G technology even further with this new trial reaching over 2 Gbps uplink speeds. This will deliver incredible and enhanced services to visitors of the Nokia Arena.”
Enrico Salvatori, Senior Vice President, Qualcomm Europe, Inc., and President, Qualcomm Europe/MEA, said: “We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment which represents a significant milestone for 5G mmWave. The throughputs achieved today show the true potential for mmWave deployments and we are excited to continue collaborating with industry leaders to make 5G mmWave a commercial reality.”
Click here to learn more about Nokia's Air Scale Base Station.
