Ericsson and Qualcomm demonstrate Gigabit-Class LTE in Nigeria
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Ericsson and Qualcomm demonstrate Gigabit-Class LTE in Nigeria

Ericsson and Qualcomm have demonstrated Gigabit-Class LTE for some Nigerian and African mobile networks using licensed spectrum.

The tests used peak data speeds of over 900Mbps and were carried out using Ericsson radio access network equipment and a Qualcomm Snapdragon X16 LTE modem

The demonstration continues cooperation between the two companies to provide African operators with advanced communication technologies.

James Munn, vice president business development, Qualcomm South Africa told Nigerian News that: “This achievement of Gigabit-Class LTE download speeds with Qualcomm Technologies and Ericsson is an important milestone on the road to Africa’s first 5G networks.

“This continent’s first announced demonstration of this technology using licensed spectrum makes use of the Snapdragon X16 LTE modem, which is expected in multiple devices during next year, and underlines Qualcomm Technologies commitment to African ICT development.”

Smartphone ownership continues to increase. However, consumers are still restricted by a lack of fixed broadband availability with 83% of Nigerian mobile phone subscribers relying solely on this channel for their internet access.

Research estimates that LTE networks will serve 50% of the population by 2021. Jean-Claude Geha, Head of Region sub-Saharan Africa, Ericsson, said “We firmly believe that we can contribute and support African operators to develop a sustainable African telecommunications industry where mobile communication dominates. We are proud to continue with our longstanding relationship with, Qualcomm Technologies, to demonstrate the Ericsson platform leading to future 5G deployments in Africa.”




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