TIM reaffirms once again its leadership role in the evolution of 5G networks and services, by successfully creating the first connection in Europe capable of consistently exceeding a downlink speed of 5 Gbps on a 5G live network, with peaks above 5.2 Gbps.
This innovative ultra-broadband connection was obtained through Dual Connectivity between 3.7 GHz and millimetre waves frequencies (26 GHz), leveraging 800 MHz bandwidth in the 26 GHz frequency. This live network wireless access solution has been effectively integrated into the complete 5G Stand Alone (SA), with a brand new 5G Core network.
This result represents another significant milestone - after TIM's previous record of 4 Gigabits per second on 5G mmWave – and it was achieved in collaboration with Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated. The device used features Snapdragon® X65 5G Modem-RF System.
Stefano Siragusa, Deputy to the General Manager and Chief Network, Operations & Wholesale Officer at TIM commented: “With this new European record, which leverages the most innovative elements of 5G technology – from millimetre waves to 5G Stand Alone architecture – we confirm our position as the reference operator in the evolution of networks and services for the Gigabit Society. This result allows us to speed up the deployment of 5G end-to-end solutions, enabling offers with high added value for our customers, from Cloud Transformation to 5G Private Networks for Smart Manufacturing, and the full digitisation of all companies and public administrations in the country”.
Enrico Salvatori, SVP and President of Europe/MEA, Qualcomm Europe, Inc. said: “We are proud to be working with TIM on another groundbreaking moment in the 5G roadmap as a new European record is set for 5G speeds. Powered by our Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System, this development signals another step towards unlocking the next stage of 5G which will extend its capabilities across mobile broadband, industrial IoT, fixed wireless and 5G private network applications”.
Emanuele Iannetti, Head of Ericsson Italy and South East Mediterranean, affirmed: “The collaboration with TIM and Qualcomm has allowed to overcome the barrier of 5 Gbps on the mobile network, demonstrating once again that 5G is one of the key technologies for the digital transformation of the country. The important milestone has been achieved thanks to two important innovations implemented by Ericsson: the 5G Core Standalone architecture combined with the ‘Dual Connectivity’ radio functionality. This allows the optimal combination of mid-band (3.7 GHz) and high-band (26 GHz) frequencies multiplying the capacity of the 5G connection. An important step forward in the evolution towards 5G networks that meet the needs of speed, low latency and security required by consumers, industries and public administration”.
This record further demonstrates TIM’s ability to build cutting-edge network infrastructures capable of enabling the Country’s digital transformation, with, in particular, mmWave and Stand Alone 5G technologies paving the way towards innovative service scenarios, such as very high capacity Fixed Wireless Access and 5G Private Networks.
Rome, 16 December 2021
