Angolan operator Unitel has successfully demonstrated an end-to-end LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) Carrier Aggregation solution in conjunction with Ericsson.
Capable of supporting data speeds up to 450Mbps, the solution was demonstrated on 60MHz of spectrum, with three 20MHz LTE carriers in band 3 (1800MHz), band 7 (2600MHz) and band 1 (2100MHz) respectively. The demonstration marks the first time that a commercial LTE network in Africa has achieved speeds of 450Mbps.
Unitel Deputy CEO Amilcar Safeca said: "The 450Mbps demo in Unitel's LTE commercial network ascertains our leading position in technological innovation not only in Angola, but globally. At the same time, it aims at ensuring that our network has the capabilities to be among the most advanced mobile networks in Africa and in the world.”
LTE-A CA enables operators to use spectrum more efficiently to deliver better user experience to customers. Mobile users can enjoy super-fast downloads and better application performance.
Fredrik Jejdling, Head of Ericsson SSA, says: "Mobile broadband is opening up a world of opportunities by facilitating industry transformation and bringing inclusion and empowerment to communities. This is especially true in countries across Africa, where the technology enables access to tools, services, expertise, entertainment, and information that was previously out of reach to the majority."
