Orange Caraibe has started rolling out its latest LTE-A network upgrade, delivering a maximum download speed of 900 Mbps. The upgrade relies on tri-band carrier aggregation using 800 MHz, 1,800 MHz and 2,600 MHz spectrum, 4x4 MIMO and 256 QAM modulation.
Preparing for the launch, the operator had previously announced a first series of tests in Guadeloupe a year ago. Measurements in real conditions have since recorded a download speed of over 840 Mbps, said the company, adding that the faster service with be available to customers at no additional cost.
The operator's LTE network currently covers 87 percent of the population in French Guiana, rising to around 99 percent in the French Antilles. As of 01 July, 194 LTE cell sites were active in Guadeloupe, 171 in Martinique, 93 in French Guiana, and 26 across the Northern islands (Saint Martin and Saint Barths). Overall, Orange Caraibe serves over 330,000 LTE customers.
Source: https://www.telecompaper.com/news/orange-caraibe-activates-900-mbps-lte-a-service--1302823