Vodafone pursues 5G Downlink Enhancement with 1024 QAM

### Vodafone Pursues 5G Downlink Enhancement with 1024 QAM

Vodafone Group has achieved significant downlink data rate improvements in a trial of 1024 QAM technology. This trial was conducted in collaboration with Qualcomm and Xiaomi. This milestone highlights how Vodafone pursues 5G Downlink Enhancement with 1024 QAM as part of its innovation strategy. This effort is part of Vodafone’s ongoing quest. The company seeks to enhance the performance of its 5G infrastructure.

The company announced that 1024 QAM technology can deliver data rates of up to 1.8Gb/s. In addition, this technology can potentially increase capacity by 25% under optimal conditions. The trial explored the technology’s ability to transmit video and data from the Radio Access Network (RAN) to a 5G device. Notably, trials were conducted in Germany and Spain. In these regions, Vodafone’s focus was clear: pursues 1024 QAM-based 5G Downlink Enhancement to benefit devices like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. These trials utilized the 3.5GHz band and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra smartphone. This device is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 5G Modem RF system. Vodafone pursues 5G Downlink Enhancement with 1024 QAM in order to improve connectivity for these next-generation devices.

In Germany, Vodafone reported a 20% improvement in throughput on its commercial 5G network over distances up to 600 meters. At a research center in Spain, the operator nearly achieved the 1.8Gb/s downlink data rate. This result further demonstrates how Vodafone pursues 5G Downlink Enhancement with 1024 QAM to provide faster speeds.

Vodafone anticipates that 1024 QAM technology will become more widely available in 2025. The company suggested that it could be particularly useful in small cells. Moreover, Vodafone aims for Downlink Enhancement in 5G with the advanced 1024 QAM to support multiple customers in busy areas. These areas include shopping centers or high streets.

Earlier this year, the trio also recorded improved uplink data rates in their trials. In this broader context, Vodafone pursues 5G Downlink Enhancement with 1024 QAM to remain a leader in next-generation data performance. However, Vodafone emphasized that only customers with the latest smartphones would benefit from these advancements.

Vodafone’s Chief Network Officer Alberto Ripepi stated that the tests will allow subscribers to “benefit from a head start” once compatible handsets are available. Additionally, Ripepi highlighted that Vodafone’s continued pursuit of 5G Downlink Enhancement with 1024 QAM will help offer technical expertise to partners and providers through its new model. Moreover, he added that Vodafone will be positioned to “offer our technical expertise to partners and other providers through our new commercial model.”

Dino Flore, VP for Technology at Qualcomm Europe, highlighted that the collaboration is pushing the boundaries of 5G capabilities. In summary, Qualcomm’s efforts align with how Vodafone pursues 5G Downlink Enhancement through the strategic use of 1024 QAM. Guoquan Zhang, GM of Xiaomi’s Software Department, noted Xiaomi’s role as an innovator in this field.