Vodafone claims to have successfully trialled an evolution of mobile broadband that achieved peak data download rates of up to 16mbps.
The operator says the data connection was achieved during field trials of HSPA+ 64QAM technology on its network in Spain network.
Vodafone now plans to trial mobile broadband data connections with peak rates of up to 21Mbps early in 2009 using HSPA functionality.
Vodafone experts estimate that the technology would be capable of delivering a typical video download experience of more than 13bbps in good conditions and an average of more than 4 Mbps across a full range of typical cell locations including urban environments.
Vodafone says it plans to make this technology available in selected commercial networks if the trial is a success.
While Vodafone’s test speeds appear impressive, it is worth noting the difference between achieving such speeds in trial conditions and the practicality of making them available to a mass market.