Nokia has established a new benchmark for millimetre-wave (mmWave) 5G performance over an extended distance, demonstrating sustained multi-gigabit speeds far beyond typical expectations for long-range mmWave deployments.
In tests carried out at the OuluZone test facility in Oulu, Finland, Nokia achieved average downlink throughput above 2 Gbps over a distance of 10.86 kilometres using mmWave spectrum and 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). This result represents a new record for long-range mmWave download speed.
The trial used Nokia’s 5G extended-range mmWave solution together with the AirScale baseband and an AirScale 24 GHz (n258 band) mmWave radio. Customer premises connectivity in the test was provided by Nokia’s FastMile 5G proof-of-concept (PoC) device.
By aggregating eight component carriers (8CC) in the downlink and combining 800 MHz of mmWave spectrum, the trial produced a peak downlink of 2.1 Gbps and an uplink of 57.2 Mbps. These figures underscore the capacity potential of mmWave when paired with advanced radio and baseband technologies.
This milestone builds on a prior world record set by Nokia in 2021 and highlights how mmWave can bring multi-gigabit broadband to locations where fiber or other wired connectivity is costly or impractical. Extended-range mmWave FWA can deliver high-quality internet service in urban, suburban, and rural environments when integrated with operators’ broader spectrum assets.
Nokia’s mmWave radio portfolio includes compact high- and medium-power units designed for different deployment scenarios, offering operators flexibility to maintain service continuity across diverse conditions and coverage needs.
The FastMile 5G PoC device used in the trials is undergoing operator trials globally. It features a high-gain 360° antenna (27 dBi) that dynamically adapts to changing propagation and line-of-sight conditions, helping to mitigate common mmWave challenges such as blockage and rapid signal fluctuation.
Ari Kynäslahti, Head of Strategy and Technology at Nokia Mobile Networks, commented:
“We just set a new speed record for extended range 5G mmWave. This demonstrates that mmWave solutions will be an essential building block for operators to efficiently deliver widespread, multi-gigabit 5G broadband coverage to their customers in urban, suburban, and rural areas, complementing sub-6 GHz spectrum assets.
This is a substantial achievement that reflects how we are constantly innovating and evolving our 5G services and solutions.”
Pushing the limits of 5G mmWave performance helps advance the broader rollout of high-capacity wireless broadband. As operators continue to combine spectrum strategy, radios, and customer premise equipment, extended-range mmWave can become a practical option for delivering fast, reliable connectivity where wired alternatives are limited.
(Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash)
See also: Nokia enhances its AirScale baseband portfolio
Looking to revamp your digital transformation strategy? Learn more about Digital Transformation Week, held in Amsterdam, California, and London.
Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge.