Nokia and O2 Telefónica Germany achieve breakthrough with 5G 2CC Uplink Carrier Aggregation in a commercial network

Nokia and O2 Telefónica Germany announced that they have successfully aggregated sub-6 GHz spectrum frequencies in an industry-first two-component carrier uplink Carrier Aggregation (CA) trial on 5G Standalone.
Nokia and O2 Telefónica Germany achieve breakthrough with 5G 2CC Uplink Carrier Aggregation in a commercial network
Image Credit: Nokia

 Nokia and O2 Telefónica Germany achieve a breakthrough with 5G 2CC Uplink Carrier Aggregation in a commercial network    

  • Industry-first milestone achieved on O2 Telefónica’s live 5G network with Nokia’s commercial 5G AirScale portfolio and MediaTek’s mobile platform
  • Faster uplink speeds in Carrier Aggregation will support the metaverse era
  • Nokia is an industry leader in Carrier Aggregation

Nokia and O2 Telefónica Germany announced that they have successfully aggregated sub-6 GHz spectrum frequencies in an industry-first two-component carrier uplink Carrier Aggregation (CA) trial on 5G Standalone. Nokia has previously demonstrated four component carrier downlink 5G Carrier Aggregation, as well as uplink Carrier Aggregation on the millimeter wave spectrum. Together with O2 Telefónica Germany, Nokia is the first to combine sub-6 GHz spectrum to boost uplink throughput.

CA enables mobile operators to maximize their spectrum assets to reach higher throughputs and enhance the 5G experience for subscribers. As users create and share content online such as HD video, Carrier Aggregation will improve the performance of 5G by delivering improved UL network usability at the cell edge with higher reliability and lower latency. Mobile operators will be able to enable new industrial use cases for verticals such as the automotive industry and live broadcasts of events and virtual reality experiences for consumers and enterprises, paving the way for the metaverse.

The proof-of-concept took place at O2 Telefónica’s Innovation Cluster near Berlin and utilized O2 Telefónica’s live commercial network. Nokia provided solutions from its latest energy-efficient AirScale portfolio including Baseband, massive MIMO, and RRH products, powered by its Reefshark chipset. MediaTek provided its 5G mobile platform using the MediaTek Release-16 M80 modem integrated into the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 flagship chipset. The companies used the combination of a 20 MHz carrier on the 1800 MHz band (n3) and a 70 MHz carrier on the 3.6 GHz band (n78) using Carrier Aggregation technology to achieve a peak throughput of 144 Mbps.

Cells on a lower frequency in Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) mode provide wide coverage. They are complemented by cells on higher frequencies typically in Time Division Duplex (TDD), which feature higher bandwidth and capacity, but lower coverage range. Uplink Carrier Aggregation of FDD and TDD combines frequencies to provide higher data rates and increased coverage, especially at the TDD cell edge and indoors. This combination can greatly reduce the cost of network construction while improving network coverage and the user experience as well as helping ensure low latency.

JS Pan, General Manager, Wireless Communication Technology at MediaTek, said: “The combination of spectrum frequencies utilizing Carrier Aggregation delivers premium coverage and capacity to mobile subscribers where it is needed. Our new 5G mobile platforms utilizing the M80 modem are fundamental to delivering this achievement and we look forward to continuing to support our industry partners to push new boundaries in the development of 5G.”

Mallik Rao, Chief Technology & Information Officer at O2 Telefónica, commented: “We want to offer our customers an optimal 5G experience in their everyday digital lives. We are continuously working on technological innovations that will make our O2 network of the future more powerful. With frequency bundling, we will enable our customers to enjoy faster downloads and uploads in our 5G network in the future. Together with our long-time partner Nokia, we have succeeded in taking this step also for uploads in the 5G standalone network. Carrier aggregation will take our 5G network to the next level and improve the network experience.” 

Mark Atkinson, SVP, Radio Access Networks at Nokia, commented: “This successful Carrier Aggregation uplink trial on sub-6 GHz spectrum is yet another example of Nokia’s innovation and technology leadership and the continuation of our fruitful partnership with O2 Telefónica. While many 5G services require high downlink data rates, increasing sub-6 GHz uplink speeds is an important precondition for advanced 5G use cases. Carrier Aggregation software complements our high-performance AirScale portfolio, placing Nokia at the forefront of providing technologies that support mobile operators in maximizing radio network efficiencies.”

The post Nokia and O2 Telefónica Germany achieve breakthrough with 5G 2CC Uplink Carrier Aggregation in a commercial network appeared first on Nokia media release.


Recent Content

AI is playing a key role in telecom security by strengthening threat detection, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance. As 5G, IoT, and edge computing expand, telecom networks face cyber threats such as AI-specific attacks, network intrusions, and data breaches. AI-powered security solutions provide automated threat response, anomaly detection, and AI lifecycle protection, helping telecom providers maintain a secure and resilient network infrastructure.
AI is transforming the relationship between telcos and hyperscalers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. With AI-driven automation, cloud-native networks, and edge computing, telecom operators are optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, and unlocking new revenue streams. As AI-powered innovations reshape 5G, cybersecurity, and digital services, these strategic partnerships are set to redefine the future of telecom.
EE has deployed the UK’s first 5G Standalone (SA) network at Wembley Stadium, setting a new benchmark for sports venue connectivity. This upgrade delivers faster speeds, ultra-low latency, and enhanced capacity, ensuring seamless live streaming, mobile transactions, and digital fan experiences. As part of EE’s nationwide 5G expansion, this deployment paves the way for smart stadium innovations and next-generation event experiences.
Celona and stc Group have announced a strategic partnership to expand private 5G adoption in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This initiative enhances business efficiency through secure, scalable, and high-performance wireless connectivity. Designed for industries like oil and gas, logistics, manufacturing, and mining, the solution addresses key challenges of traditional networks, reducing operational costs and driving digital transformation.
LCRA and Ericsson are set to transform Texas’ utility sector with a private LTE network spanning 68 counties. This initiative strengthens cybersecurity, improves real-time communications, and enhances grid reliability. By leveraging Ericsson’s 5G-ready technology, LCRA ensures a future-proof infrastructure for mission-critical operations, benefiting electric cooperatives, municipalities, and other essential services.
Vodafone has completed the world’s first satellite-based video call using a standard 4G or 5G smartphone—no special hardware required. This milestone, achieved with AST SpaceMobile, demonstrates the power of direct-to-smartphone satellite connectivity. By 2026, Vodafone plans to roll out this service commercially across Europe, bridging mobile coverage gaps in rural and remote regions. Learn how this technology is set to redefine mobile broadband and global communication.

Download Magazine

With Subscription
Whitepaper
Explore the collaboration between Purdue Research Foundation, Purdue University, Ericsson, and Saab at the Aviation Innovation Hub. Discover how private 5G networks, real-time analytics, and sustainable innovations are shaping the "Airport of the Future" for a smarter, safer, and greener aviation industry....
Whitepaper
Explore how Generative AI is transforming telecom infrastructure by solving critical industry challenges like massive data management, network optimization, and personalized customer experiences. This whitepaper offers in-depth insights into AI and Gen AI's role in boosting operational efficiency while ensuring security and regulatory compliance. Telecom operators can harness these AI-driven...
Supermicro and Nvidia Logo
Article & Insights
This article explores the deployment of 5G NR Transparent Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), detailing the architecture's advantages and challenges. It highlights how this "bent-pipe" NTN approach integrates ground-based gNodeB components with NGSO satellite constellations to expand global connectivity. Key challenges like moving beam management, interference mitigation, and latency are discussed, underscoring...

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Partner Events

Latest Videos

Partner Courses

The Mpirical Complete 5G Package includes the entire 5G training catalogue that Mpirical currently offers. Throughout the duration of the...
This learning path has been designed for participants with a technical background to gain a detailed understanding of the architecture...
This learning path has been designed for participants with a technical background to develop a complete picture of the 5G...
NetX is an app that sits within the Mpirical LearningZone. It has been developed as a visual aid for telecoms...
This learning path has been designed for participants with a semi technical background to gain a greater appreciation of the...
Scroll to Top

MWC Media Partner

Engage Decision-Makers at MWC 25, Barcelona

With High-Impact Engaging Magazine Article, Blog, Executive Interview, or Whitepaper Content.