Nokia has announced it has completed the first pre-standard 600-MHz LTE call over commercially-available hardware.
The company said it has demonstrated a complete end-to-end call using a test device and a 20MHz block of 600-MHz spectrum.
The test achieved a maximum throughput of 387Mbps using 4x4 multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) technology, 256 quadrature amplitude modulation (256 QAM) and four-way uplink receive diversity.
Nokia is now working to integrate 600-MHz compatible products into its 4.5G and 4.9G equipment portfolios.
US regulator FCC is concluding a year-long auction process for 600-MHz spectrum. The frequency band is expected to be utilized first in rural deployments due to its longer range.
"We've been anticipating the end of the 600MHz auction, and we haven't waited. Nokia has been doing the necessary development, testing and software creation over the last several quarters. We are ready to work from day one with those customers who want to bring 600MHz to market,” Nokia head of North America Ricky Corker said.