Vodafone trials 16Mbps mobile broadband

Vodafone has successfully trialled an advanced version of mobilebroadband which can achieve actual peak download rates of 16 megabits per second (Mbps).

The telecoms giant conducted field trials of the use of HSPA+ 64QAM over its Spanish mobile network.

It will now expand the testing programme to gauge the effectiveness of HSPA+ MIMO functionality which can bring peak rates of 21Mbps.

Technical experts from the company believe that this would enable a video download experience in excess of 13Mbps in good conditions with an average performance of 4Mbps.

Andy MacLeod, global networks director of Vodafone, said: "Successfully demonstrating a live HSPA+ high-speed connection has been a key milestone in continuing to build confidence in this new technology."

"The results show that HSPA+ technology is well placed to further enhance our customers' mobilebroadband experience through the evolution of our existing 3G networks," he added.

HSPA+ technology is said to be the next step in 3G roadmap technology, which can increase performance due to an advanced modulation technique termed 64QAM.