UScellular says it reached world record 5G fixed wireless coverage using millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum on its commercial network in Grand Island, Neb. The company achieved gigabit speeds over a distance of more than 10 kilometers (more than six miles).
Upload speeds were about 57 Mbps.
The record was achieved using Nokia’s 5G Extended-Range mmWave solution and Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF System and QTM527 mmWave Antenna Module, according to a press release. The field trial used Nokia’s AirScale Baseband and mmWave Radios in the 28 GHz (n261) band.
“These latest trial results reinforce the important role that fast, reliable wireless service plays in keeping people connected no matter where they live or work,” said Mike Irizarry, executive vice president and chief technology officer, UScellular, in a prepared statement. “With 5G mmWave technology from companies like Nokia and Qualcomm Technologies, we can provide our customers with the leading-edge capabilities of high performance, ultra-low latency 5G and offer an even wider range of communications services to enhance their wireless experience.”
“This successful collaboration represents another significant milestone for 5G mmWave aiming to close the ‘connectivity divide’ and expand broadband services to rural, suburban, and urban communities,” said Juho Sarvikas, North American president for Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., in a prepared statement. “Qualcomm Technologies is at the forefront of driving the next generation of wireless connectivity and with this milestone we are empowering operators and OEMs to offer cost-efficient, high-performance, extended-range multi-gigabit 5G broadband connectivity to consumers.”
The announcement about 5G mmWave coverage comes just shortly after UScellular announced it had achieved sustained average downlink speeds of approximately one gigabit per second using mmWave spectrum and fixed 5G on a commercial network over a distance of 7 kilometers (more than four miles).
