Elisa, Ericsson and MediaTek have tested six-component carrier aggregation (6CC) and twelve-component carrier aggregation (12CC) in Elisa’s live commercial 5G Standalone (SA) network, achieving first in Europe up to 8 Gbps download throughput using MediaTek’s latest M90 5G platform.

The test was conducted in Jorvas, Kirkkonummi, Finland. Carrier aggregation improves network capacity and coverage and enables the development of Elisa’s new 5.5G (advanced 5G) services.

The higher speeds enabled by this 6CC combination will enhance user experience by providing faster downloads and seamless video streaming for smartphone users, internet subscribers in homes and offices and industrial use cases.

The test leveraged frequency bands from the 4G network (LTE) to further increase capacity for Elisa’s 5G SA network. The key benefits of Elisa’s 5G SA include better upload and download speeds, low latency and 15-20% better durability for phone batteries compared to 5G NSA.

The test was conducted with Ericsson Spectrum Sharing (ESS) and 5G Carrier Aggregation software to combine six 5G component carriers. A MediaTek M90 5G modem-based device, equipped to support 6CC Carrier Aggregation, played a critical role in validating the achievement.

Sami Komulainen, Chief Operating Officer at Elisa, says: "It is vital for Europe to be at the forefront of 5G development in order to support innovation related to AI, among other things. This important milestone with Ericsson helps us to add to the capacity and coverage of our 5.5G services in the future. Elisa was the first operator in Finland to launch 5.5G mobile broadband and subscription services, and we are determined to make the new services and benefits it enables – such as much faster upload speeds – widely available to our customers.”

Per Narvinger, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Area Networks at Ericsson, says: "Ericsson’s carrier aggregation solution enables our partners to build high-performing 5G networks. This achievement with Elisa is more than a technology milestone – it delivers on the promise of 5G. Together with Elisa, we are turning 5G capabilities into a reality that directly benefits people and businesses."

Dr. HC Hwang, General Manager of Wireless Communication Systems and Partnerships at MediaTek, says: “This milestone achievement, utilizing the latest groundbreaking advanced 5G connectivity, highlights the strength of our collaboration with Ericsson and Elisa. This is an awe-inspiring leap ahead in live video streaming, immersive AR/VR applications, and more, enabling consumers to enjoy seamless content, interaction and engagement with incredible responsiveness.”