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​Ericsson, NBN Co, and Qualcomm Technologies have collaborated to achieve a significant milestone in 5G millimetre wave (mmWave) technology. In live field trials conducted within NBN Co’s Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network, the team achieved wholesale download speeds exceeding 1 Gbps and upload speeds over 100 Mbps at a distance of approximately 14 kilometres. ​
This development represents a notable advancement in delivering high-speed broadband over long distances, aiming to extend ultra-fast connectivity to homes and businesses in rural and remote regions. By expanding mmWave coverage, NBN Co and Ericsson are working to bridge the digital divide, bringing enhanced connectivity to underserved areas. A 14 km mmWave FWA range showcases the potential to engineer networks capable of providing ultra-fast connectivity in challenging locations, such as regional and remote Australia. ​
Technical Details of the Field Trials
The field trials utilised 400MHz of 28GHz (n257) bandwidth, employing Ericsson’s commercial software and hardware, including the RAN Processor 6651 and mmWave antenna integrated radio AIR 5322. Qualcomm’s FWA test platform device also played a crucial role in these trials. To date, NBN Co has deployed 5G mmWave technology to approximately 850 of its 2,300 network sites within the Fixed Wireless network, with around 10,000 premises actively using mmWave technology. This number is expected to increase as more NBN Customer Premises Equipment Wireless Network Termination Devices are upgraded and new capabilities are introduced.
Implications for Regional Australia
While the enhanced speed and extended range capabilities are currently in the testing phase, this breakthrough has the potential to improve broadband connectivity, supporting applications such as remote work, telehealth, and digital education. Expanding high-speed coverage could also boost productivity and foster innovation for businesses and industries in regional Australia. ​
Building on Recent Network Upgrades
This 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, 5G, and 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. ​
Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Connectivity
Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand, commented on the achievement, stating, “This 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, added, “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., noted, “This trial highlights the remarkable FWA capabilities of Qualcomm 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.”
Last Updated on March 5, 2025 by Nick Ross
