Vodafone Tests 16Mbps Mobile Data Download Speeds

Vodafone Spain says that it has successfully trialled an evolution of mobile broadband technology achieving actual peak data download rates of up to 16 Mbps. The high speed data connection was achieved during field trials of HSPA+ 64QAM technology on the Spainish network.

Vodafone now plans to trial mobile broadband data connections with peak rates of up to 21Mbps early in 2009 using HSPA+ MIMO functionality.

The company said that if the trials prove a success, it plans to make this technology available in selected commercial networks.

"Successfully demonstrating a live HSPA+ high speed connection has been a key milestone in continuing to build confidence in this new technology," said Andy MacLeod, Global Networks Director of Vodafone. "The results show that HSPA+ technology is well placed to further enhance our customers' mobile broadband experience through the evolution of our existing 3G networks."

Vodafone worked in with Ericsson and Qualcomm for the trials.

HSPA+ technology is the next evolutionary step in the (3G) HSPA roadmap and increases performance through the use of a more advanced modulation technique called 64QAM. Performance can be enhanced further through the use of multiple antennae on both base stations and data devices (Multiple Input Multiple Output - MIMO).

Both 64QAM and MIMO features require new HSPA+ mobile broadband devices. Vodafone is working with its device vendors on the trialing, testing and validation of these devices ready for commercial availability.

Posted to the site on 15th January 2009