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A Samsung executive told RCR Wireless News that the technology could improve the quality and reliability of FWA services while supporting applications that depend on real-time data transfers
In sum – what to know:
Late-2027 commercialization – Samsung told RCR Wireless News that it expects technologies similar to the demonstrated 3Tx 5-layer uplink configuration to be commercialized around late 2027, requiring network software upgrades.
FWA and AI gains – Samsung said the technology has the potential to double maximum uplink throughput on FR1 bands for FWA devices while improving cloud and AI services.
No new spectrum – According to Samsung, the combination of 3Tx antennas and 2-layer MIMO features shows how operators can deliver more data to users without needing additional spectrum or new cell sites.
Samsung expects technologies similar to the advanced 5G uplink configuration it recently demonstrated with MediaTek to begin reaching commercial networks around late 2027, a Samsung executive told RCR Wireless News.
The comments follow a joint announcement in which Samsung and MediaTek said they had completed what they described as the industry’s first test of a 3Tx 5-layer uplink configuration. The demonstration combined MediaTek’s M90 5G modem platform with Samsung’s virtualized RAN (vRAN), Massive-MIMO radios and macro radios, achieving 670 Mbps uplink throughput using a multi-band configuration.
Asked when operators could begin deploying capabilities similar to those demonstrated in the trial, Dongwoo Lee, head of Technology Solutions Group, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics, said deployment timelines will vary by operator.
“Each operator will have their own unique timeline depending on where they are in their network journey. That said, we largely expect to see technologies like these to be commercialized around late 2027, but will require network software upgrades,” the executive said.
Lee also highlighted the potential impact of higher uplink performance on fixed wireless access (FWA), cloud services and AI-related workloads. “This achievement demonstrated the potential to increase maximum uplink throughput on FR1 bands by twofold for FWA devices, thereby improving cloud and AI services even for users who don’t have FR2 coverage.”
According to Lee, the technology could improve the quality and reliability of FWA services while supporting applications that depend on real-time data transfers.
“With FWA, these improved uplink speeds will boost reliability and quality, delivering faster and more stable internet connections essential for demanding activities like video conferencing and online gaming. In cloud services, these speeds will enable smoother and more efficient data transfers, supporting real-time applications such as cloud gaming, remote work, and virtual collaboration tools. Additionally, the increased bandwidth and reduced latency will facilitate more efficient data processing and transmission for AI applications, including real-time analytics, machine learning model training and edge computing tasks,” the executive added.
Lee also said the technology could help operators expand broadband coverage without relying on additional fixed infrastructure. “Overall, we expect that these advancements will create richer, more immersive experiences for users across various industries, driving innovation and enhancing productivity. It will also allow operators to serve more homes and businesses with higher broadband speeds without the need of fiber.”
Addressing the technology behind the demonstration, Lee said the achievement was enabled by combining innovations from both companies.
“This achievement leveraged a combination of advanced innovations and technologies from both Samsung and MediaTek. Pairing MediaTek’s latest 5G chipset, the M90 5G modem platform, with Samsung’s vRAN platform as well as its cutting-edge Massive-MIMO and macro radios allowed the companies to unlock the significant uplink gains. Samsung’s fully software-based vRAN ensures flexibility and scalability, while its radios enhance spectral efficiency by leveraging advanced MIMO technology to handle multiple data streams simultaneously, thereby improving uplink capacity and reliability. By leveraging 3Tx antennas and 2-layer MIMO features, the companies are showing how operators can get more data to users without needing more spectrum or new cell sites,” he added.