Ericsson, Telstra and Qualcomm have set a new uplink speed record on a live sub-6GHz 5G Standalone (SA) network, reaching 516 Mbps — surpassing the previous record of 447 Mbps achieved in October 2024.
Demand for faster, more reliable uplink performance is growing among both consumers and enterprises. Applications such as live streaming, video conferencing and real‑time AI-driven data processing increasingly depend on strong upload capabilities, making uplink improvements a central focus of 5G development.
This record-setting uplink was achieved by combining several advanced technologies. The test used a single 50 MHz 5G SA carrier in the 2600 MHz band together with uplink Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) Single User Multiple Input Multiple Output (SU‑MIMO) to maximize uplink throughput.
Ericsson supplied the RAN Processor 6672 and Radio 4466 to provide the network infrastructure, while Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 5G Modem‑RF System delivered the modem and RF performance necessary to hit this milestone.
Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand, said: “This achievement reflects the strength of our latest Radio Access Network hardware and software solutions and highlights our commitment to enabling superior network performance for communication service providers worldwide.
“As we continue to collaborate with Telstra and Qualcomm Technologies, our focus remains on delivering cutting‑edge solutions that empower operators to provide faster, more reliable and more consistent network experiences for their customers.”
Real-world benefits of faster 5G uplinks
While the 516 Mbps uplink demonstrated in this test will not instantly translate to those exact speeds for every consumer, the underlying technology offers tangible benefits. Users with compatible devices in areas where Telstra deploys these enhancements can expect improved performance, particularly for upload‑heavy activities.
Sri Amirthalingam, Wireless Engineering Executive at Telstra, commented: “Achieving this uplink speed record demonstrates our relentless pursuit of innovation to deliver enhanced network performance for our customers.
“Together with Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies, we are bringing transformative 5G capabilities to life, enabling greater consistency of performance, reliability and speed when it matters most.”
Future network enhancements — such as 3GPP Release 16 features like Uplink Transmit Switching and Uplink Carrier Aggregation — will build on this foundation to provide even stronger uplink performance across Telstra’s 5G footprint.
Combined, these developments aim to improve consistency and reliability for users and to support a growing range of data‑driven applications.
The value of partnership
This milestone highlights how collaboration among industry leaders advances telecommunications innovation. By pooling expertise and resources, Ericsson, Telstra and Qualcomm pushed the boundaries of current 5G capabilities to achieve a new uplink benchmark.
Durga Malladi, SVP and GM of Technology Planning & Edge Solutions at Qualcomm, said: “We are excited to partner with Telstra and Ericsson to set a new 5G uplink speed record. The UL SU‑MIMO technology, driven by our Snapdragon X80, represents a notable advancement in network uplink performance and capacity.
“This achievement underscores our dedication to providing innovative 5G solutions that address the increasing everyday data demands of modern applications.”
Beyond experimental milestones, the result has practical implications. As 5G use cases grow — from telemedicine and augmented/virtual reality to industrial IoT and cloud gaming — improved uplink speeds supply the bandwidth needed to sustain seamless, interactive experiences.
Shaping the next phase of 5G
Achieving 516 Mbps on a live 5G SA sub‑6GHz network marks progress not only in peak numbers but also in overall uplink quality. Historically, publicity has favored download speeds, but uplink performance is increasingly critical as industries and consumers rely on bidirectional data flows.
This record is a testament to continued research and development in telecoms, demonstrating how focused innovation can enhance real‑world services and support broader global adoption of 5G technologies to meet modern connectivity needs.
(Photo by Iván Díaz)
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