2017-02-17

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and COSMOTE, Greece, have successfully demonstrated download speeds up to 1.2Gbps in the LTE network. With this, Ericsson and COSMOTE are moving to the next level of 3xCarrier Aggregation, 4x4 MIMO and 256 QAM innovation boosting performance and market differentiation.

The demonstration, which took place at COSMOTE mobile network in Greece, used Ericsson’s industry-leading radio solutions. The downlink speeds were achieved by aggregating three carriers with total 60 MHz of spectrum (3x20MHz), with 4x4 MIMO and 256 QAM, delivered to a Cobham Aeroflex TM500 mobile device.

Carrier or channel aggregation technology supports the use of multiple LTE carriers in a single LTE network. By increasing network bandwidth, carrier aggregation delivers higher peak data rates and better user experiences across the network coverage area. The use of 4×4 MIMO doubles peak rates with no additional spectrum. In addition, 256 QAM enhances the data rate of existing frequency spectrum by up to 33 percent.

George Pappas, Head of Ericsson in Greece, says:

“The latest Ericsson Mobility Report forecasts 4.6 billion LTE subscriptions globally by the end of 2022. Technologies such as 256QAM downlink and carrier aggregation are essential for delivering high-quality LTE experiences to subscribers in Greece and other markets around the world, and our demonstration with Cosmote showcases Ericsson’s technology leadership in these critical areas.”

In a commercial launch, speeds of 1.2Gbps would translate into faster access to apps and rich media content for subscribers.

Ericsson is present today in all high traffic LTE markets including US, Japan, and South Korea, and is ranked first for handling the most global LTE traffic. More than 270 LTE RAN and Evolved Packet Core networks have been delivered by Ericsson worldwide, of which more than 200 are live commercially.

About Cosmote

COSMOTE is the unified commercial brand for all OTE Group fixed, mobile, Internet & pay TV products and services. It signals an integrated communications and entertainment world, in which all clients – consumers and businesses alike – enjoy advanced solutions for the entire range of their communication needs with simplicity, with a single point of reference and a unified experience at all contact points: shops, call centers and online.

OTE Group is the leading telecommunications provider in Greece and along with its subsidiaries constitutes one of the top telecom Groups in Southeast Europe. The Group is also the largest investor in Greece in new technologies and infrastructure, with investments exceeding €2 bn. over the past five years and €1.3 bn. in the current four-year period. OTE Group’s size, expertise and experience guarantee the quality of services offered under the unified COSMOTE commercial brand.