DOHA: Ooredoo, Nokia Networks and Netgear have collaborated on a first-of-its-kind speed test using LTE-AdvancedCat.11 on the Ooredoo Supernet, achieving a peak data rate of 590 Mbps, the company said in a press statement yesterday.
It is the first time this speed has been reached in tests in Qatar and the whole Gulf Coperation Council region.
The speed was achieved by aggregating 60MHz of spectrum across three bands and applying 256QAM higher order modulation to deliver another evolution in speed and performance for Qatar’s mobile Internet, the company said in the press statement yesterday.
As well demonstrating the strength and capacity of the Ooredoo Supernet, supported by Nokia Networks’ technology, it also provided an ideal test for the next generation of Netgear Wi-Fi hotspots.
Ooredoo has also recently signed an agreement with Netgear to launch a new range of 4G and 4G+ LTE smart devices in the country.
Waleed Al Sayed, Chief Operating Officer, Ooredoo Qatar said, “The Ooredoo Supernet is setting new records across the region through its speed, quality and coverage. By reaching this peak data rate of close to 600 Mbps in test conditions, we are setting new benchmarks for what can be achieved. The next generation of mobile networks will provide the foundations for the smart city environments of the future and ensure we are fully-ready for 5G, which is why we are working with our partners to push the top speed and capacity limits.”
While the 600 Mbps speeds are currently not accessible on commercially-available devices in Qatar and outside of speed test conditions, Ooredoo is continuing to deliver performance upgrades and network enhancements to keep the Ooredoo Supernet at the cutting-edge.
Bernard Najm, vice-president and head of Middle East and Africa, Nokia Networks said, “With our sharp focus on innovation in our technologies, we are committed to supporting Ooredoo in setting new benchmarks and providing higher speed networks to cater to the ever increasing demands of its customers. Nokia Networks continues to deliver LTE-Advanced data rates in all three technology dimensions —spectrum, cells and efficiency — and we are proud to build on our relationship with Ooredoo to bring these new breakthroughs to Qatar.”
The peak data speed was achieved on the Netgear Aircard AC810S mobile hotspot, which supports the latest state-of-the-art mobile standards including three band carrier aggregation that in Category 11 mode enables speeds of up to 600Mbps. Although not yet available in Qatar, plans are in place for Ooredoo to launch the device in 2016, the company said in a press statement yesterday.
Jim Kirkpatrick, senior vice president of Netgear LTE Products said: “The new generation of mobile hotspots from Netgear deliver incredible power and performance, and we are delighted to be working with Ooredoo to introduce this technology in Qatar. With 4G+ networks, customers can enjoy incredible online experiences, supported by faster speeds and remarkable coverage.”
Coinciding with the speed test success, Ooredoo has launched the 4G+ approved Netgear Aircard 790S Mobile Hotspot, a category 6 LTE mobile hotspot leveraging 802.11ac Wi-Fi and carrier aggregation technology to deliver astonishing download speeds of up to 300Mbps, the company said in a press statement yesterday.
The Peninsula
