What is 4.5G (4G Plus)?
LTE Advanced is the next wireless upgrade, beyond LTE/4G – essentially 4.5G which is faster better in user experience and highly efficient in spectrum use. Average user download speeds should be 2x-3x that of LTE. 4.5G uses 3 technology advancements compared to 4G.
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Carrier Aggregation: In 4G LTE, Mobitel uses only 1800 MHz spectrum band. But with 4.5G technology, Mobitel will deploy 900 MHz spectrum band and 2100 MHz spectrum band in addition to existing 1800 MHz spectrum band.
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4x4 MIMO (Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output): This signal is transmitted over 4 paths using 4 transmitting antenna systems simultaneously. This improve the data speeds and download stability. For 4G LTE, only 2x2 MIMO is used.
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256 QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) : 4.5G uses higher Modulation technique compared to 4G LTE (64 QAM)
Speeds
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According to theoretical burst speeds, Mobitel 4G LTE could go up to 100 Mbps, whereas theoretical burst speeds for 4.5G would be around 300 Mbps.
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However average download speed of Mobitel LTE is around 14 Mbps (Okkla speedtest average speed) whereas 4.5G would be 2x-3x .
Latency
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The Latency of 4.5G remains same as 4G.
Do I need to activate 4.5G?
No, as this is a technological improvements all 4.5G capable devices will be able to use the benefits of this upgrade.
Since this is the latest available technology in Mobile industry, only very few device models support at the moment (LTE CAT 9 and above devices such as Apple Iphone 7, Samsung Note 5, Samsung S7, S8, HTC One M9, Huawei P10). However this will increase in near future.
Further device manufactures may have not activated full capability of 4.5G for Sri Lankan market, since there was no any live 4.5G network previously (Firmware upgrade may be needed from the device manufacture). Mobitel expects and have informed device manufactures to activate the firmware to support 4.5G in future.
Eg: Iphone 7 firmware has not activated for 4.5G on Sri Lankan market, even though device hardware is capable for 4.5G
Do I need to change my SIM?
If you are using a 4G capable SIM, it is not required to change the SIM. However if you do not have 4G capable SIM, you need to change the SIM to 4G SIM.
Is 4.5G available in my area?
As we have started the rollout from Colombo initially it will not be available to all subscribers, if you wish to experience the latest technology you could come and visit Xstation @ No.409, R.A De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 03, further this will be extended to all the mobile coverage areas in future.
