T-Mobile Sets New Uplink Speed Record with 5G Advanced

While many carriers focus primarily on download speeds, T-Mobile is leading the charge in enhancing uplink capabilities. Ulf Ewaldsson, President of Technology at T-Mobile, emphasized the importance of uplink speeds, stating, “Everyone obsesses over download speed, but at T-Mobile we see what’s coming, and uplink is the next big thing.” This achievement underscores T-Mobile's commitment to innovation and its dedication to enhancing customer experience, particularly for activities that require substantial data uploads, such as streaming 4K video and gaming in real-time.

The record-breaking uplink speed was achieved by utilizing a combination of 100MHz of Time Division Duplex (TDD) spectrum (n41) and 35MHz of Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) spectrum (n25). T-Mobile conducted the test using a flagship smartphone from MediaTek, equipped with an integrated M90 modem. The implementation of the 3GPP Release 17 UL Tx Switching feature facilitated smart multiplexing, optimizing user throughput by effectively managing UL Carrier Aggregation and UL MIMO for both TDD and FDD spectrums.

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, commented on the challenge of enhancing uplink speeds compared to downlink speeds, stating, “It’s significantly more challenging for carriers to enhance data speeds in the uplink… This is precisely what makes this achievement so impressive.” Uitto noted that as demand for AI, extended reality (XR), and video uploads continues to rise, exceptional uplink performance will be essential for future network capabilities.

The collaboration with MediaTek has been pivotal in achieving this milestone. HC Hwang, General Manager of Wireless Communication System and Partnership at MediaTek, remarked, “This groundbreaking 550 Mbps uplink speed achievement… marks a significant leap forward for immersive VR and AR experiences.” The synergy between T-Mobile and MediaTek exemplifies how partnerships can drive technological advancements that enhance user experiences, particularly in content creation and consumption.

T-Mobile has consistently positioned itself as a leader in 5G technology, previously setting a record of 275 Mbps in 2022, which was surpassed by 345 Mbps in early 2024 through the use of Release 16 UL Tx Switching. With the latest achievement of 550 Mbps, T-Mobile not only reaffirms its technological leadership but also sets the stage for further advancements as 5G Advanced continues to evolve.

This latest demonstration underscores T-Mobile’s ongoing commitment to providing customers with cutting-edge technology and superior service. With its focus on uplink speed innovation, the Un-carrier aims to redefine customer experiences in mobile connectivity.

As T-Mobile continues to enhance its 5G Advanced capabilities, it aims to remain at the forefront of the telecommunications industry, dedicated to delivering the best possible experiences for its customers. The record-breaking uplink speed serves as a testament to T-Mobile’s vision for the future of mobile communication, where speed and efficiency are paramount.

For more information on T-Mobile’s expansive network and services, interested parties can visit T-Mobile.com/coverage or follow @TMobileNews for the latest updates.