The News: Ericsson, T-Mobile, and Qualcomm achieved download speeds beyond 3.6 Gbps in a breakthrough six-component carrier aggregation (6CC) using sub-6 GHz spectrum on a live production 5G network. Read the full press release on the Ericsson website.
Ericsson, T-Mobile, and Qualcomm Deliver 6CC Breakthrough
Analyst Take: Ericsson, T-Mobile, and Qualcomm collaborate to show that 6CC technology is now capable of delivering downlink speeds above 3.6 Gbps in the field test on T-Mobile’s 5G production network, enabling the download of a two-hour HD movie in less than 7 seconds. Through carrier aggregation advances, such as 6CC, mobile operators such as T-Mobile can improve 5G performance using scattered spectrum assets to optimize spectrum allocation that delivers the bandwidth boosts key to elevating the mobile experience.
As foreground, 5G carrier aggregation enables mobile operators such as T-Mobile to combine multiple 5G channels (or carriers) to deliver improved speed and performance. In this test, the trio merged six 5G channels of mid-band spectrum—two channels of 2.5 GHz Ultra Capacity 5G, two channels of Personal Communications Services (PCS) spectrum, and two channels of Advanced Wireless Services spectrum—producing an effective 245 MHz 5G channel. That is the equivalent of taking six separate highways and turning them into a unified six-lane superhighway where traffic can zoom faster than previously.
The 6CC breakthrough follows on T-Mobile announcing in May 2023 that it was rolling out four component-carrier aggregation across its 5G Standalone network, which it stressed can achieve peak speeds of 3.3 Gbps. In that case, T-Mobile relies on two 2.5 GHz channels, one 1.9 GHz channel, and one 600 MHz channel. Of note, the first device able to access 4CA capabilities was the Samsung Galaxy S23.
The 6CC test also proceeds on the 2023 trio of Nokia, Qualcomm, and T-Mobile announcing that they successfully aggregated 5G Standalone (SA) spectrum using 5CC Carrier Aggregation (5CC CA) in sub-6 GHz spectrum. The successful trial aggregated 2 FDD and 3 TDD carriers resulting in peak downlink throughput speeds exceeding 4.2 Gbps. 5G Carrier Aggregation with 5CC will enable mobile operators to deliver higher data rates and better coverage to even more customers.
By aggregating with 5CC, mobile network operators have more options to leverage their spectrum and network assets for delivering an improved user experience. With ongoing subscriber migration to 5G, mobile operators can tap into an increasing pool of 5G FDD frequency carriers and combine these with the bandwidth of multiple mid-band (TDD) carriers. 5CC CA unlocks this potential without compromising on coverage and capacity. The carrier aggregation showdown between Ericsson’s 6CC test and Nokia’s 5CC test indicates that the competition is heating up in supporting the direction of T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G SA network evolution.
Key Takeaway: Ericsson, T-Mobile, and Qualcomm Raise 5G Experience with 6CC
From my view, accomplishing the data call on 6CC over sub-6 GHz provides an integral steppingstone to 5G advanced readiness by making 5G networks ready to fulfill the ultra-low latency and high-performance requirements of more demanding 5G use cases. Alongside progress in the implementation of 5G SA capabilities, mobile operators are making the strides needed to upgrade the 5G core domain of their network to take advantage of their already deployed 5G radio technologies.
Disclosure: The Futurum Group is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of The Futurum Group as a whole.
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Author Information
Ron is an experienced, customer-focused research expert and analyst, with over 20 years of experience in the digital and IT transformation markets, working with businesses to drive consistent revenue and sales growth.
Ron holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy from University of Nevada — Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Arts in political science/government from William and Mary.
