NTT Docomo has turned on carrier aggregation across its 5G networks in Japan on the mid-band n78 and n79 spectrum ranges.
Qualcomm said customers of the telco could hit 5G speeds as high as 4.2Gbps, but the use of a Snapdragon 865 chip is necessary to do so. Devices that have this chip include Samsung Galaxy S20 range[1], Oppo Find X2[2], and OnePlus 8[3].
"This level of service is achieved through 5G sub-6GHz carrier aggregation, which combines a 100MHz carrier in band n78 and a 100MHz carrier in band n79 to boost 5G performance and network capacity using Docomo's diverse spectrum assets," Qualcomm said.
"The deployment of 5G Sub6-CA, along with 5G mmWave 28GHz band that Docomo began operating commercially in September, will unleash the full potential of 5G and enable accelerated deployment of Docomo's 5G service areas."
The switching on of the sub-6Ghz aggregation is touted as a world first.
Last week, Qualcomm claimed a record for "ultra-broadband long distance speed with 5G technology applied to fixed wireless access". In short, the company was able to get 1Gbps over a distance of 6.5 kilometres using 26GHz millimetre-wave spectrum and a sizeable fixed antenna.
The test was conducted on Telecom Italia's live network, and was able to hit 1Gbps using a UDP speed test and 700Mbps for TCP. The Ericsson antenna used had extended range software, and Casa Systems AurusAI customer premise equipment was used to receive the signal.
Qualcomm said the test showed 5G could be used to deliver fast broadband to people without a fixed fibre optic connection.
"Through these new 5G fixed wireless access solutions, called Fiber To The Air, an