Vodafone Spain completed a trial of HSPA+ 64QAM technology that delivered actual peak data download rates of up to 16 Mbps. Vodafone now plans to trial mobile broadband data connections with peak rates of up to 21Mbps early in 2009 using HSPA+ MIMO functionality. Vodafone conducted the tests in association with Ericsson and Qualcomm.
Vodafone estimated that the technology would be capable of delivering a typical video download experience of more than 13Mbps in good conditions and an average of more than 4 Mbps across a full range of typical cell locations including urban environments. If the trials prove a success, Vodafone said it plans to make this technology available in selected commercial networks.
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.
Top data downlink speeds on Vodafone’s network currently reach 7.2 Mbps.
http://www.vodafone.com
