SK Telecom Achieves 3.6 Gbps at 28 GHz, at Speeds of 105 MPH

SK Telecom says it has achieved access speeds of 3.6 Gbps using 28-GHz spectrum, connecting a moving vehicle at a speed of 170 kilometers per hour (more than 105 mph). That is significant because millimeter waves tend to travel point-to-point, making mobile communications tricky.

The SK Telecom test suggests advanced beamforming and beam tracking technologies can overcome those tendencies.

SK Telecom said the 3.6-Gbps of data rate enhances the stability of connected car services, though some might say latency performance or is perhaps even more important. But better image recognition possible by the faster data rates clearly is an advantage.

SK Telecom believes the vehicular capabilities also will have implications for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), drones and robots. For instance, companies will be able to develop innovative 5G services, including a service that allows users to watch VR content within a moving bus or a drone that sends real-time video of a disaster-stricken area to provide a better understanding of the situation, SK Telecom says.

Media services including 4K UHD image, VR live broadcast and 3D video services will experience further improvements, SK Telecom says  

The demonstration took place at BMW driving center located in Yeongjong Island, Incheon.

The connected car tests are part of SK Telecom’s broader strategy of building a “new ICT ecosystem,” including autonomous driving and connected car; AI and big data; smart home; energy management; media and global content.