The Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has announced the successful experiment of Massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) technology on its existing 4G-LTE network, utilizing 2.3GHz spectrum band.
In its ambitious experiment in Dammam, STC used 20MHz of spectrum in the 2.3GHz band on the time division duplex (TDD) network. It managed to achieve a peak cell downlink throughput of 677Mbps, which is approximately six times the current/traditional TDD network speed.
Massive MIMO is accepted as one of the core innovative technologies in the future 5G network.
STC and Huawei have used this concept to boost the existing 4G-LTE network throughputs in order to provide superior customer experience and unprecedented network speeds.
Massive MIMO technology uses a large number of antennas and beam forming to enhance spectrum utilization among multiple user equipment (UEs) to improve the end-user experience.
Nasser Al-Nasser, senior vice president, STC technology and operations, said: “Once again, STC’s partnership with Huawei has delivered new and unprecedented results.”
He added: “This great result will enable STC to meet the explosive growth in demand for high-quality data services.”
Al-Nasser said: “We look forward to strengthening our pioneering position in the region through the successful deployment of the Massive MIMO technology.”
He added: “As a technology pioneering company in the region, STC is proud to see such successful network developments, which will ultimately translate to improved customer experience and delivery of highest possible quality of service.”