From MediaTek: MediaTek's 5G modem technologies pass testing in China, ready to hit smartphones

MediaTek's 5G modem is in the first wave of devices to pass the 3GPP SA and NSA (non-standalone) two-mode laboratory testing, based on the 3GPP Rel-15 standard, in the China 5G R&D trial ( 中国 5G 增强技术研发试验 ) organized by the IMT-2020 (5G) promotion group.

The test was conducted using a 5G device featuring the MediaTek Helio M70 5G modem inside. The M70 supports both SA (standalone) and NSA (non-standalone) network modes using the same software and hardware version. It supports mainstream 5G NR bands such as 700MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2.6GHz, 3.5GHz and 4.9GHz and has a potential maximum downlink rate of 4.7Gbps and uplink rate of 2.5Gbps.

During the first stage of indoor tests, the MediaTek Helio M70 equipped 5G device has passed all 199 items in rigorous testing of both SA and NSA modes. The SA testing focused on two bands, N41 and N78, where peak downlink rates of 1.62Gbps and 1.45Gbps were achieved from respective bands. The NSA testing focused on two band-sets, B3+N41 and B1+N78, and achieved downlink rates of 1.67Gbps and 1.36Gbps respectively. In both tests the throughput results achieved represent close to the theoretical maximum performance!

Out in the field, the Helio M70 equipped 5G device achieved downlink peak rates of 1.40 Gbps and 1.33 Gbps (1.27 Gbps stabilized) in the NSA and SA interoperability tests respectively.

These excellent results further cement the fact that MediaTek’s 5G modem capabilities are ready for the first wave smartphones that will launch with 5G services in China.  

JS Pan, General Manager of MediaTek Wireless Communication Systems, stated, “The MediaTek Helio M70 has taken a clear lead in these test results and commits fully to the 3GPP Rel-15 standard. The test results in both SA and NSA modes were accepted by the IMT-2020 (5G) promotion group, indicating that MediaTek's 5G technology is mature, highly capable and ready for commercial products. With support for 2G through to 5G connectivity and dual 4G-5G (EN-DC) connectivity from a single 5G modem, devices based on Helio M70's technologies will provide consumers with a seamless, high-performance connection experience anytime, anywhere.” 

In 2019, global cellular operators are beginning to release their 5G commercialization plans, with some first-wave countries already beginning to roll out their infrastructure. In a step towards commercialization, on June 6, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China officially issued its 5G commercial licenses. Prior to this at the end of May, MediaTek announced its first 5G SoC for smartphones where its 5G modem is fully integrated and uses the validated Helio M70 technology. The 5G SoC will be sampling to partners from the third quarter this year and smartphones using the MediaTek 5G SoC are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2020.