- Gigabit LTE improves both the speed and consistency of real-world downloads. It also delivers fast speeds in congested areas and higher network capacity that helps improve speeds for all users
- EE’s latest 4G network technology demonstrated with live speeds of 750Mbps download and 110Mbps upload speeds
- Full capabilities of Europe’s first commercial Gigabit LTE mobile device, Sony’s Xperia™ XZ Premium, powered by Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 835 Mobile Platform, showcased on live EE network at Wembley Stadium
- Mobile speeds demonstrated live at Wembley Stadium more than twice as fast as the UK’s fastest commercial fibre broadband offering
- Gigabit LTE is a major step towards 5G
During the event, the companies showcased the benefits of Gigabit LTE in four real-life use cases:
- streaming 4K HDR10 content from Amazon Prime
- speed improvements for downloading large files via Google Drive
- download of music/video files for offline use, and
- a network simulation showcasing the network-wide benefits of deploying Gigabit LTE.
At the Wembley Stadium showcase, live upload speeds of 110Mbps and download speeds of 750Mbps were demonstrated – more than twice as fast as the UK’s fastest commercial fibre broadband offering.
EE has switched on the latest upgrades to its 4G network in Cardiff and London’s Tech City, and will be rolling out to more major cities throughout 2017 and 2018. Real world speeds of 428Mbps were demonstrated in Cardiff City Centre to mark the launch of Sony’s flagship Xperia XZ Premium smartphone.
EE was the first network in the UK to support ‘Cat 9’ mobile devices, in September 2016, and is extending its network leadership by being the first to support ‘Cat 16’ mobile devices with Gigabit LTE.
Announced at MWC 2017 and launched in June this year, Sony’s Xperia XZ Premium is the first Gigabit LTE enabled smartphone. Powered by Snapdragon 835 Mobile Platform, the XZ Premium is also the first smartphone to feature a 4K HDR display offering intensely vivid colours and breath-taking clarity. Its Gigabit LTE performance, enabled by the Snapdragon X16 LTE modem integrated into the Snapdragon 835 Mobile Platform, allows smartphone users to stream and watch high-quality 4K HDR resolution content on their mobile for the first time. Available to stream now are select Amazon Original Series via Amazon Prime Video in 4K HDR, with more 4K HDR content coming soon.
Roberto Di Pietro, vice president, business development, Qualcomm Europe Inc, says, “We are proud to support the development of commercial Gigabit LTE in Europe in conjunction with EE and Sony Mobile, enabled by the Snapdragon 835 Mobile Platform. Gigabit LTE is not simply about headline data download speeds, it’s about bringing real-life benefits to the everyday user, regardless of the device they are using right now and forms the first major step towards 5G. It is exciting to see the culmination of all these technologies coming to life in Europe, as the first commercial devices capable of delivering this incredible user experience start to enter the industry.”
Tom Bennett, director, network services and devices, EE, said, “Peak speeds get all the headlines, and their importance is simple: the higher the peak speed on our network, the better the average speed for every customer. And better average throughput means customers are doing more and getting their content more quickly and more consistently - and that means they’re happier. We will keep investing to stay at the cutting edge of network and device technology so that our customers keep getting the best possible network experience. Working with the best technology companies across the mobile industry is vital to that.”
Warren Saunders, country head, UK and Ireland, Sony Mobile Communications, said, “Our customers are increasingly demanding more from their Xperia smartphones; faster connections, 4K quality content, sharper camera shots, and more. To meet their expectations, it’s essential our devices have the processing and performance power to provide quality mobile experiences. The XZ Premium is the first smartphone with a 4K HDR screen, and with Gigabit LTE we have the speed to allow seamless streaming of 4K content, or download large files for offline viewing.”
Ben Wood, chief of research, CCS Insight, said, “The insatiable desire for ever faster mobile speeds and increased network capacity is a driving force for technologies such as gigabit LTE. It’s exciting to see the technology being deployed in the UK providing a clear stepping stone towards 5G technology.”
Gigabit LTE is enabled by LTE Advanced features including 4x4 MIMO, 3xCA (Three Carrier Aggregation) and 256-QAM higher order modulation. Gigabit LTE capability, which has been pioneered by Qualcomm Technologies is an essential pillar for the 5G mobile experience as the high-speed coverage layer that co-exists and interworks with nascent 5G networks.
Gigabit LTE is about more than just peak speeds. It is also about delivering more network capacity, to benefit all users in the network, not only those users with Gigabit LTE devices. A Gigabit LTE mobile device will complete downloads and uploads significantly faster, freeing up network resources to be available for other users.
About EE
EE, part of BT Group, is the largest and most advanced mobile communications company in the UK, delivering mobile and fixed communications services to consumers.
EE runs the UK's biggest and fastest mobile network, having pioneered the UK's first superfast 4G mobile service in October 2012. EE was the first European operator to achieve 14 million 4G customers in December 2015. EE has around 550 shops across the UK. EE's 4G coverage today reaches more than 97% of the UK population, equal to more than two thirds of the UK geography. EE plans to extend 4G to 95% geographic coverage by 2020.
EE has received extensive independent recognition, including being ranked the UK's best overall network by RootMetrics®; Best Network at the 2014 and 2015 Mobile News Awards; Best Consumer Network at the 2015 & 2016 Mobile Industry Awards; as well as Fastest Network at the 2014 and 2016 uSwitch Mobile Awards.
Follow us on…Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ee Twitter at: www.twitter.com/ee YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ee LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/company/ee-uk
About Sony Mobile Communications
Sony Mobile Communications is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation, a leading global innovator of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Through its Xperia™ smartphone and tablet portfolio, as well as innovative smart products, Sony Mobile Communications delivers the best of Sony technology, premium content and services, and easy connectivity to Sony’s world of networked entertainment experiences.
For more information: www.sonymobile.com
_________________________________________________