VODAFONE customers are set to receive a connection speed boost after the network provider successfully tested a new 5G technology.
The firm teamed up with Qualcomm and Xiaomi on the what they claim is the first European test of its kind, achieving a peak upload speed of up to 273 Mbps (megabits-per-second).
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Qualcomm owns Snapdragon, the smartphone chip brand that recently became Manchester United’s new front-of-shirt partner.
And Xiaomi is one of China‘s leading smartphone maker, who launched brand new budget handsets in the UK last week.
The trio say the test means customers will get faster speeds and wider coverage on new smartphones and devices expected during 2024.
Uploads are when data travels from your device to your network and it’s key for things like video calls and backing up large files – gamers and those working from home in particular need a good upload speed.
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Most of today’s smartphones and home broadband services are capable of about 100 Mbps when uploading.
The enhanced 5G technology raises upload speeds closer to download levels – data that travels from the internet to your devices – which have always been much further ahead.
Why do upload speeds matter?
Ever tried to send a video on WhatsApp and noticed it takes forever? Or maybe there’s a lag in the conversation between you and a friend on FaceTime?
Well, this will be down to upload speeds.
Effectively, better uplink capabilities will enable people to post photos, videos and files to platforms like Facebook and the cloud at almost double the speed possible today when next generation devices arrive later this year.
This will be even more important for data-hungry tasks like massive video games, as well as VR headsets – they need a good upload speed too for a smooth, seamless connection alongside a decent download speed.
“We want our customers to be among the first anywhere in the world to benefit from this new 5G feature when it becomes available,” Alberto Ripepi, Chief Network Officer of Vodafone.
“That’s why we are working with key partners to lead the industry in pulling together and testing the necessary network, silicon chips and devices to turn it into a reality, all while driving a stronger vendor and developer ecosystem.”
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Enrico Salvatori, Senior Vice President and President at Qualcomm Europe added: “We are proud of our continued collaboration with Vodafone and Xiaomi to achieve another 5G milestone.
“The evolution of 5G towards 5G Standalone, the ultimate realisation of 5G technologies is a crucial step for enabling the full promise of 5G with 5G Advanced.”
Merger investigation
The development comes as Vodafone feels the heat from regulators over its proposed merger with rival Three.
Both companies want to combine to create the UK’s largest mobile network, taking the crown currently held by EE.
But the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation over concerns it could lessen competition.
“This deal would bring together two of the major players in the UK telecommunications market, which is critical to millions of everyday customers, businesses and the wider economy,” said Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA.
“The CMA will assess how this tie-up between rival networks could impact competition before deciding next steps.”
Vodafone and Three say the deal would lead to an additional investment of £11billion in the UK.
“We strongly believe that the proposed merger of Vodafone and Three will significantly enhance competition by creating a combined business with more resources to invest in infrastructure to better compete with the two larger converged players,” said Vodafone UK chief executive Ahmed Essam.
