Nokia and Optus have achieved the world’s first 5G data call using 3 Components (3CC) Carrier Aggregation (CA) technology over a 5G Standalone (SA) network — in Australia.

The solution will enhance speed and performance increasing the experience of Optus’ smartphone customers. Optus customers will also have the ability to access advanced 5G use cases such as AR and VR. Nokia has prioritized the development of 5G Carrier Aggregation (CA) technology across sub-6 GHz 5G spectrum.

Nokia used its latest  AirScale Baseband and radio portfolio powered by  its Reefshark  chipset  over  Optus’ commercial network. The trial combined the FDD band (2100MHz) with the TDD band (2300 MHz + 3500 MHz) using CA technology.

5G Carrier Aggregation allows 5G smartphones to receive multiple 5G frequency bands in parallel, enabling higher data rates, increased coverage and superior network capacity while maximising the spectral efficiency of 5G networks.

Lambo Kanagaratnam, Vice President of Networks at Optus, said: “3 NR Carrier operation will enable customers to achieve a higher 5G download speed at more places improving their overall 5G experience. Samsung Galaxy S22 customers will be the first to benefit from this enhancement with other handsets to follow shortly after.”

Garry McGregor, Vice President, Mobile Experience division, Samsung Electronics Australia, said: “By championing innovation, we work with our partners like Optus and Nokia to accelerate how the industry can deliver new experiences and visionary ideas for our customers.”

Robert Joyce, Chief Technology Officer at Nokia Oceania, said: “This market-leading 5G network enhancement provided by Nokia will allow Optus to continue to deliver superior network performance to its customers.”