Telstra announces world first 340 Mbps uplink speed over 5G Standalone using sub 6 GHz frequencies in a live commercial network.

Telstra today announced it has achieved a new global record for 5G uplink speed of 340Mbps, using the latest software, spectrum and technology innovation with partners Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

The new speed record is 100 times faster than typical 3G uplink speed.

This world first achievement will enable Telstra customers to enjoy faster and more reliable data uploads on their 5G Standalone (SA) devices, enhancing their experience of sharing videos, photos and live streams.

The new 5G Standalone uplink capability combines Telstra's mid-band spectrum holdings to create a massive 140MHz channel for sending data from the device to the network.

This is complemented by a 240MHz channel for receiving data from the 5G SA network to the device, delivering up to 3.6 Gbps in downlink speed and an uplink speed of 340 Mbps – the fastest in the world using spectrum under 6 GHz.

Sri Amirthalingam, Telstra Executive for Global Networks and Technology said this is a major milestone for Telstra and its customers, “We are proud to be the first in the world to deliver this cutting-edge 5G uplink capability, which will give our customers an enhanced experience when sharing their content while they are out and about.”

The tests were done using a mobile test device powered by Qualcomm Technologies’ latest Snapdragon® 5G Modem-RF System and an existing in-market NetGear Nighthawk M6 Pro Mobile Broadband device in the live commercial network on the Gold Coast.

The latest software from Ericsson brings together different combinations of frequency ranges and types to enable a single 5G uplink and downlink data channel.

By aggregating carrier bands, it considerably increases the uplink speeds, while the ability to use low band carriers in these combinations of frequencies delivers improved coverage and performance enhancements for the 5G SA Network.

“The uplink and downlink 5G data channels work together to provide a seamless and almost symmetrical like 5G service, meeting the increasing demand for data-intensive applications such as augmented and virtual reality, or sharing photos and memorable movie moments with friends.

“The technology also includes advanced features in the base station that can prioritise different types of data and applications and can support future differentiated services, like network slicing.

“On top of this, Telstra also has the option to use the n5 (850MHz) carrier that is currently serving its 3G Network.

“Our latest 5G Standalone uplink speed achievement is 100 times faster than the typical 3G uplink speed, which is great news for customers. Enterprise Applications such as these are increasingly becoming more uplink heavy with things like such as high-definition video surveillance cameras and the faster speeds and coverage will all provide a much better experience.

“The ability to use low band frequencies and repurpose our 3G low band 850 MHz frequency to deliver 5G SA coverage when the 3G network closes on 30 June 2024, has the benefit of providing improved depth of coverage and enhancing the 5G experience for customers.

“It’s a further example of how we are leading the way in 5G innovation and investment, and how we are committed to delivering the best and most advanced network for Australia.”

To test and validate this capability, Telstra worked with long-term partners Qualcomm Technologies, one of the world's leading wireless chipset companies, and Ericsson, the global leader in 5G network equipment.

Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand, said: “Ericsson’s latest software features enables Telstra to capitalise the full spectrum portfolio for a wider coverage whilst providing far superior data rates.

“Customers will be empowered to explore new experiences offered with 5G Standalone such as differentiated services and a range of applications, which will in turn drive network monetisation.”

“This live test proves that uplink carrier aggregation on a 5G Standalone network has the potential to significantly increase upload speeds and capacity, thus unlocking new experiences for consumers,” said Durga Malladi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Technology Planning & Edge Solutions, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

“We are proud to continue our strong collaboration with Telstra and Ericsson, and look forward to even more world’s first milestones together.”

This latest achievement takes Telstra’s World First count to 55 since the launch of 3G.  It is only with the collaboration with industry and its strategic partners that can deliver the technology innovation and leadership so that our customers can benefit.