First test of its kind for America Movil in Latin America and Caribbean region
Trial of Ericsson innovations intended to increase network data speeds by 200%, up to 300 Mbps
Innovations apply design concepts developed for future 5G systems

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) and Claro Puerto Rico, a subsidiary of America Movil, will conduct tests on Claro’s 4G/LTE network with new LTE-Advanced mobile technology capabilities to enhance network performance. The trials include 256-QAM, UL 64 QAM, 4×4 MIMO (multiple input multiple output) and Ericsson Lean Carrier; technology concepts, when combined, promise downlink speeds increase of 200 percent, up to 300 Mbps, for mobile users on Claro Puerto Rico’s network.

The trial, which runs from October 21-28 in the San Juan Metro and Ponce areas, will take place on Claro’s commercial network in Puerto Rico, using Ericsson equipment and software.

4×4 MIMO enables increased data speeds; the technology is analogous to expanding a highway from two lanes to four, enabling more cars to travel at the same time.

256-QAM increases the number of transmitted bits per stream, similar to increasing the number passengers in a car.

These two features, combined with Ericsson Lean Carrier, which works by “cleaning” the signal space (i.e., creating smoother highways in our example), will give mobile customers better access to advanced LTE technologies, ensuring a much faster network for Claro.

Implementation of these features in the network would result in higher download speeds for Claro subscribers and a significantly improved user experience while browsing the internet on their phones and tablets. This boost in network speed would mean users will have a better viewing experience while watching their favorite shows, and sharing or viewing videos and pictures of their friends and family online.

Enrique Ortiz de Montellano, CEO of Claro Puerto Rico, said: “Our business objective is to maintain our networks with the latest technology in order to offer customers all the advantages that advanced technology provides. A lot has been discussed around LTE-Advanced, but this is the first time trials have been carried out in Puerto Rico. Together with Ericsson, leaders in mobile broadband, we will test the real scope of these technologies, which will allow us to provide our customers the best mobile broadband experience available.”

Clayton Cruz, Vice President of Ericsson Latin America and Caribbean, said: “With the growing demand from consumers, industry and IoT for mobile communications, these tests focus on improving the performance and efficiency of LTE networks today, while supporting the development of our customers as they move towards 5G.”

Although 5G technology will not begin deployment until 2020, some of the features of this technology, like Ericsson Lean Carrier, advanced MIMO technology, and higher order modulation schemes can already be applied in the networks currently in operation.

The strategic long-term relationship between Ericsson and Claro has led to great advancements in the development of mobile broadband in Puerto Rico. ThisLTE-Advanced trial is another example of the companies’ joint commitment to innovation and continuous telecommunications development in the country.

Ericsson is present today in all high-traffic LTE markets, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea, and is ranked first for handling the most global LTE traffic. In addition, forty percent of the world’s total mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks. More than 270 LTE RAN and Evolved Packet Core networks have been delivered worldwide, of which 200 are live commercially.

To learn more:

Mobile Network Test: Ericsson Lean Carrier Verified In Telstra 4G LTE Service

Ericsson innovation applies 5G concept for up to 50% higher speed on 4G LTE smartphones

Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies successfully test 1 Gbps for Telstra

Ericsson unleashes Gigabit LTE and creates Hyperscale Cloud RAN

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IMAGES: Claro Ericcson