Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC, news, filings), NBN Co and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. have successfully conducted live field trials of 5G millimetre wave (mmWave) technology in parts of the NBN Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network, achieving wholesale download speeds exceeding 1 Gbps and upload speeds over 100 Mbps at approximately 14 kilometres.
This technology breakthrough marks a significant step forward in the delivery of high-speed broadband over long distances extending the reach of ultra-fast connectivity to homes and businesses in rural and remote areas. By successfully expanding mmWave coverage, NBN Co and Ericsson are unlocking new opportunities to bridge the digital divide. A 14 km mmWave FWA range pushes the boundaries of 5G mmWave technology, demonstrating the potential to engineer networks that can provide ultra-fast connectivity in hard-to-reach areas such as regional and remote Australia.
The field trials were conducted with 400Mhz of 28Ghz (n257) bandwidth using Ericsson’s commercial software and hardware, including its RAN Processor 6651 and mmWave antenna integrated radio AIR 5322, and Qualcomm’s FWA test platform device. NBN Co has already deployed 5G mmWave technology to approximately 850 of the 2,300 network sites within its Fixed Wireless network, with around 10,000 premises actively using mmWave today. This number is expected to grow as more NBN Customer Premises Equipment Wireless Network Termination Devices (are upgraded and new capabilities are deployed.
While the higher speed and extended range capabilities remain in the testing phase for now, this breakthrough will enable enhanced broadband connectivity, supporting critical applications such as remote work, telehealth, and digital education. Expanding high-speed coverage will also enable greater productivity and opportunities for innovation for businesses and industries in regional Australia.
This latest achievement builds upon NBN Co’s recent completion of a $750 million upgrade to its fixed wireless network. Completed on 31 December 2024, the upgrade integrated Ericsson’s latest 4G, 5Gand 5G mmWave technology to expand the coverage and capacity of approximately 2,300 fixed wireless towers using mid-band and mmWave spectrum. As a result, the network’s footprint has grown from 220,000 to 345,000 square kilometres, significantly improving access to high-speed broadband.
Together, Ericsson, NBN Co and Qualcomm Technologies are pushing the boundaries of mmWave technology which is a key enabler in bringing higher-speed, future-ready broadband to the approximately 800,000 homes and businesses in parts of regional and rural Australia.
Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand, said: “This achievement marks a significant step forward in the evolution of 5G mmWave, demonstrating its ability to deliver ultra-fast connectivity over much greater distances than previously thought possible. Extending mmWave to 14 kilometres with gigabit speeds reinforces its potential as a key technology for enhancing Fixed Wireless Access broadband in regional and rural areas. Our collaboration with NBN Co and Qualcomm Technologies is redefining the potential of wireless technology to bring high-performance connectivity to more Australians.”
Gavin Williams, Chief Development Officer, Regional and Remote at NBN Co, said: “This trial showcases the strength of 5G mmWave in extending the reach of high-speed broadband to regional and rural Australia. By working with Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies to push mmWave beyond previous limitations, we are taking important steps towards improving broadband access for homes and businesses that rely on fixed wireless. This milestone supports our broader network investment strategy to deliver better digital connectivity to more Australians, ensuring they have access to fast, reliable broadband no matter where they live.”
Gautam Sheoran Vice President and General Manager, Wireless Broadband and Communications at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. said: “This trial highlights the remarkable FWA capabilities of Qualcomm(R) products in enabling long-range, high-speed connectivity. Achieving gigabit speeds at 14 kilometres is a major validation of what’s possible with 5G mmWave. Together with Ericsson and NBN Co, we are setting new standards in fixed wireless broadband performance, helping to close the digital divide by delivering fibre-like speeds over wireless networks.”
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