Qualcomm and NTT DOCOMO Enable Commercialization of 5G Sub-6 GHz Carrier Aggregation in Japan
Qualcomm Technologies announced they have together enabled the world’s first commercialization of 5G sub-6 GHz carrier aggregation (sub6-CA) in Japan, effective immediately, to bring multi-gigabit mobile experiences to DOCOMO customers. Deployment of 5G carrier aggregation, a critical capability in 5G specifications, is enabling customers to now enjoy improved performance on DOCOMO’s rapidly expanding 5G network.
Using DOCOMO’s new 5G network and select devices powered by the Qualcomm SnapdragonTM 865 Mobile Platform with the Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF System, customers can now enjoy mobile download speeds of up to 4.2 Gbps – the fastest speeds available in Japan. This level of service is achieved through 5G sub-6 GHz carrier aggregation, which combines a 100 MHz carrier in band n78 and a 100 MHz carrier in band n79 to boost 5G performance and network capacity using DOCOMO’s diverse spectrum assets.
The deployment of 5G Sub6-CA, along with 5G mmWave 28 GHz band that DOCOMO began operating commercially in September, will unleash the full potential of 5G and enable accelerated deployment of DOCOMO’s 5G service areas.
Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager, 4G/5G, Qualcomm Technologies, said, “It is a pleasure to continue our work with DOCOMO to advance and accelerate 5G technology throughout Japan. By providing access to breakthrough technologies like 5G carrier aggregation, we are enabling consumers and companies throughout Japan to access faster connectivity, enhanced capacity and better reliability.”
Naoki Tani, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, NTT DOCOMO, said, “In collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, we are pleased to begin delivering this advanced and groundbreaking mobile technology to our customers nationwide. DOCOMO subscribers can now enjoy superior 5G service together with exciting mobile experiences. Moreover, by establishing a new standard of possibility for the industry, we are proud to help initiate a new era of connectivity in Japan.”
