Vodafone customers will receive a free speed upgrade after 'first European' test
VODAFONE customers will get an increase in connection speed after the network provider successfully tested a new 5G technology.
The company worked with Qualcomm and Xiaomi on what they claim is the first European test of its kind, achieving peak upload speeds of up to 273 Mbps (megabits per second).
Qualcomm owns Snapdragon, the smartphone chip brand that recently became Manchester United's new front-of-shirt partner.
And Xiaomi is one of China's leading smartphone makers, launching brand new budget devices in Britain last week.
The trio say the test means customers will get faster speeds and wider coverage on new smartphones and devices expected in 2024.
Uploads happen when data is sent from your device to your network and are critical for things like video calling and backing up large files. Gamers and people who work from home in particular need good upload speed.
Most today's smartphones and home broadband services can achieve upload speeds of around 100 Mbps.
Improved 5G technology will bring upload speeds closer to download levels (data sent from the internet to your devices) that have always been much further ahead.
Why are upload speeds important?
Have you ever tried to send a video via WhatsApp and found it took forever? Or maybe there's a delay in the conversation between you and a friend on FaceTime?
Well, this will have to do with the upload speeds.
In fact, better uplink capabilities will allow people to post photos, videos and files to platforms like Facebook and the cloud at almost double the speed possible today, when the next generation of devices arrive later this year.
This will be even more important for data-intensive tasks like large video games and VR headsets – they'll need good upload speed in addition to decent download speed for a smooth, seamless connection.
“We want our customers to be among the first in the world to benefit from this new 5G feature when it becomes available,” said Alberto Ripepi, Chief Network Officer of Vodafone.
“That's why we're working with key partners to lead the industry in bringing together and testing the necessary networks, silicon chips and devices to make this a reality, while driving a stronger ecosystem of suppliers and developers.”
Enrico Salvatori, Senior Vice President and President at Qualcomm Europe added: “We are proud of our continued collaboration with Vodafone and Xiaomi to achieve another 5G milestone.
“The evolution from 5G to 5G Standalone, the ultimate realization of 5G technologies, is a critical step in enabling the full promise of 5G with 5G Advanced.”
Merger research
The development comes as Vodafone feels pressure from regulators over its proposed merger with rival Three.
Both companies want to work together to create Britain's largest mobile network and take the crown currently held by EE.
But the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation over concerns it could reduce competition.
“This deal would bring together two of the key players in the UK telecommunications market, which is vital to millions of everyday customers, businesses and the wider economy,” said Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA.
“The CMA will assess how this connection between rival networks could impact competition before making any decisions on next steps.”
Vodafone and Three say the deal would lead to an additional £11 billion investment in Britain.
“We believe that the proposed merger of Vodafone and Three will significantly increase competition by creating a combined company with greater resources to invest in infrastructure to better compete with the two larger converged players,” said Ahmed Essam, CEO from Vodafone UK.