Researchers from NTT DoCoMo and Huawei Technologies have successfully tested a superfast LTE data connection using the 5GHz band, which is more traditionally reserved for Wi-Fi.
During their detailed indoor tests, the firms’ experts managed to achieve speeds of 100Mbps. According to NTT DoCoMo, the development is particularly significant as it has “great potential” to ease data traffic in high-use areas.
This idea of boosting capacity using unlicensed bands – like 5GHz – has been dubbed License-Assisted Access (LAA) by researchers. While it isn’t an official standard yet, DoCoMo and Huawei have been working alongside Nokia, Alcatel-Lucent and Qualcomm to support it, endgadget.com reports.
At present, all mobile networks operate on licensed spectrum, but they’re required to agree a fee with telecom authorities before gaining access. Unlicensed bands, however, are free to use, providing certain criteria are met. While the latter option is obviously cheaper, the former tends to be faster and more secure.
A DoCoMo spokesperson told computerworld.com: “Currently, we are aiming to finish the joint experiment by fiscal 2015. The next step will be to develop a technology that will enable LAA and WLAN to efficiently coexist in the same spectrum.
“We hope LAA will be standardized with the Release 13 LTE which should come out in fiscal 2016.”
