Just when many of us are warming up to the browsing speeds LTE is giving us, Smart has just pushed things further with their initial LTE-Advanced tests. If you’re the kind who keeps wanting more out of your data connection, you will be pleased to know that in their tests both in Davao and Metro Manila, the LTE-A network was able to reach speeds of up to 209.66 mbps, or over twice the 100 mbps top speed of LTE. That’s twice the maximum LTE is able to achieve, and that was during a live test on the ground, not a theoretical maximum on paper. Those who are curious will be pleased to know that the theoretical maximum for LTE-A is a dizzying 700mbps.
While LTE-A will be needing completely different hardware from the LTE devices we have at the moment, those who have their hands on existing LTE handsets needn’t worry. The technology has some ways to go before even an initial rollout, and really, at this point, LTE should suffice. The Internet is changing though, and as content becomes richer and richer, we are going to start needing fatter pipes.
“LTE Advanced is the next step forward for mobile broadband, and we look forward to many new possible applications of this ultra-fast technology that will benefit Filipinos and keep the Philippines abreast with the most technologically advanced countries in the world,” said Smart co-founder and Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando B. Vea.
At an event held at the PLDT-Smart office in downtown Davao City, PLDT and Smart Technology Group Head Rolando G. Peña introduced the technology to members of the media, key officers of the IT community of Davao, and representatives from the local government unit, describing LTE-Advanced as the ‘future of mobile broadband.’
“These tests demonstrate the readiness of the Smart network infrastructure to meet the demands of technologies that go beyond LTE,” said Peña.
Of this is the kind of speed we can expect from wireless networks, it’s interesting to think how terrestrial connections are going to have to change in order to compete.