Optus, Huawei hit 1.4Gbps download on '4.5G' network

Carrier Optus and hardware vendor Huawei have tested a new 4.5G network, reportedly reaching download speeds of 1.41Gbps.

Optus announced that in ‘live network conditions’ a peak download speed of 1.23Gbps was achieved through “the combination of carrier aggregation, higher level modulation, and 4x4 MIMO”.

The successful test of the LTE Advanced Pro network occurred at the telco’s “Gigasite” in Newcastle, NSW. The 1.41Gbps speed was recorded during a test completed Wednesday.

“This field trial in Newcastle is a first and important milestone as a direct result of our local investments in R&D here in Australia,” said Huawei Australia chief executive James Zhao.

Optus and Huawei jointly announced the world’s first Gigasite in 2013. The development of 4.5G continues the research partnership between the two companies to head towards the eventual goal of a 5G mobile network.

“We continue to utilise our network and spectrum assets to test our network of the future and prepare for 5G. By 2020, 5G will be here and we are committed to identify ways to prepare our network to support this new technology,” said Optus networks acting managing director Dennis Wong.