Network company Huawei has joined forces with mobile chip player Qualcomm to complete tests using LTE CAT11, which achieves a peak data rate of 600 Mbit/s by aggregating three carriers, each using 256QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation).

For both companies this test provided the opportunity to flex their R&D muscle. Huawei got to show off its SingleRAN solutions while Qualcomm was able to publicize its next-generation Snapdragon modem, which can support an aggregate bandwidth of 60 MHz. While neither are new, both companies were keen to highlight carrier aggregation (CA) and 256QAM.

“In 2015, there will be a global surge in LTE-A construction with operators starting to consider the large-scale deployment of 3CC CA,” said David Wang, President of Wireless Network Product Line at Huawei. “256QAM will also soon be put into commercial use with the maturing of the industry chain. The success of these tests represents another milestone in the developing commercialization of LTE-A and 256QAM. It shows that terminals are capable of both 3CC CA and 256QAM. We will continue to work together with our global partners in advancing technologies and promoting the global development of mobile broadband.”

“We are pleased to see our next generation Snapdragon LTE modem play a significant role in enabling another successful demonstration of LTE-Advanced Category 11,” said Serge Willenegger, VP of Product Management at Qualcomm. “We look forward to continue working with Huawei in developing technologies and solutions to address consumers’ growing demand for fast download speeds and reliable connections.”

Huawei has been busy elsewhere this week too. It’s currently hosting the ‘eLTE Industry Alliance Summit’ in Barcelona, which focuses on its own enterprise-grade LTE solutions, but is designed to promote interoperability. Meanwhile Huawei’s Network Congress kicks off in Shanghai tomorrow to showcase what Huawei is up to in the IoT space.