Samsung and Qualcomm Achieve 5G Power Class 1 Validation to Boost Fixed Wireless Access Coverage and Uplink Throughput for Future Commercial Networks
Samsung and Qualcomm achieved 5G Power Class 1 validation to enhance their fixed wireless access technology. Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm Technologies confirmed the successful validation of 5G Power Class 1 capability for Fixed Wireless Access. The achievement required Samsung virtualized RAN technology and Qualcomm Dragonwing FWA Gen 4 platform according to the technical report from Samsung Networks. The hardware configuration specifically featured the Qualcomm X85 Modem RF chipset and Samsung 3.7GHz Massive MIMO radios. The validation process aims to improve connectivity performance in both urban areas which experience signal congestion and rural regions which have weak signal reception.
The laboratory testing results showed a 10x increase in uplink throughput at the cell edge when compared to the existing PC 1.5 standard. The system delivers this major transmission power increase to manage the upload demand surge created by artificial intelligence services and high definition video communication. The 3GPP standards for Power Class 1 devices enable operators to transmit stronger signals back to base stations through their higher output power definition because this power increase allows for reduced network bottlenecking.
The test results showed speed enhancements together with a total coverage area extension of 1.4 times the previous maximum. The functional range of Fixed Wireless Access devices increased by 40 percent through this improvement. Base stations now enable operators to provide service across larger geographic territories while maintaining signal quality for users located at distant points from the base station. This capability is viewed as essential for delivering fiber like connectivity to remote regions or deep within large building structures where standard signals often fail.
Eun Yong Kim the Head of Air Technology at Samsung Electronics stated that the company can now deliver advanced wireless infrastructure after achieving validation of this technology. He noted that high performance networks are required to support data heavy user experiences and seamless industrial data transmission. Gautam Sheoran the General Manager of Connectivity at Qualcomm Technologies explained that Power Class 1 technology's increased transmission power enables broadband devices to achieve greater reach and enhanced performance through ecosystem innovation.
Following the successful laboratory evaluation the companies recently moved to field tests on a Tier 1 operator network in the US. The technology is currently on track for broad commercial availability in 2027. Samsung Networks continues to focus on its portfolio of 5G end to end solutions including Open RAN and cloud native core systems to prepare for future 6G requirements. Mobile operators will benefit from the 2027 launch window because it gives them a specific timeline to complete their next generation AI service infrastructure upgrades.
