MediaTek M90 supports world's first 6GHz spectrum test

As the world moves toward the next era of connectivity, MediaTek continues to lead with innovation that powers faster, smarter, and more efficient mobile experiences.

Vodafone recently achieved a major industry milestone using the MediaTek M90 modem: the world’s first 6GHz 5G network test using a standard commercial smartphone. This successful demonstration shows how 6GHz spectrum connectivity can truly unlock the performance required for future 5G and 6G networks, supporting the growing need for mobile connectivity capacity to meet increasing demand.

Pushing the Boundaries of 5G Performance
The live trial took place in Hannover, Germany, where Vodafone engineers used the MediaTek M90 modem to test a 200 MHz channel in the upper 6 GHz band. The results were exceptional: download speeds reached 2.5 Gbps, surpassing today’s typical 5G performance levels. Using 5G carrier aggregation, the M90 combined multiple frequencies into a single, powerful connection. The MediaTek M90 also delivered strong uplink performance, achieving upload speeds of 50–180 Mbps in public indoor environments. This achievement underscores the M90 modem’s readiness for a future in which the demand for ultra-fast, high-capacity mobile connectivity continues to grow.

High Speed Meets High Efficiency
Beyond its exceptional performance, the test also demonstrated impressive efficiency. The 200 MHz channel achieved twice the data throughput of a 100 MHz channel without increasing power consumption. This means operators can deliver significantly higher capacity while maintaining energy efficiency—a critical factor as networks continue to grow and serve billions of connected devices.

Building a Scalable Future for 6G
Vodafone’s analysis found that deploying 200 MHz channels could reduce capacity costs by more than 40% through radio efficiencies. This improvement will help operators meet the growing data demands of a wide range of applications beyond traditional smartphones, including industrial 5G, commercial advertising, edge AI in IoT and wearables, and connected vehicles.

The upper 6 GHz band has emerged as a key enabler of this future. By unlocking this spectrum for mobile use, Europe can strengthen its digital infrastructure and ensure the scalability needed for 6G development. The MediaTek M90’s performance in these tests demonstrates just how ready this technology is to support the networks of tomorrow.

Leading the Way to 6G Evolution
As global standards for 6G continue to take shape, wider channels (200 MHz and above) will play a crucial role in delivering the performance, capacity, and energy efficiency required for new digital experiences. Vodafone's successful trial demonstrates how MediaTek’s advanced modem technology is ready to pave the way for this future. By collaborating with leading operators and technology partners, we are helping shape a world where connectivity is faster, smarter, and more accessible for everyone.