Breakthrough 6G test achieves 3 Gbit/s speeds in the 7 GHz band
A major step toward 6G has been taken with the successful trial of X-MIMO technology in the 7 GHz band. Samsung, Korea Telecom (KT), and Keysight worked together to test ultra-high-density antennas, achieving downlink speeds of up to 3 Gbit/s. The 7 GHz band is now seen as a leading candidate for the future 6G standard.
The trial used a Samsung 6G base station prototype equipped with 256 digital ports. KT and Keysight set up an outdoor test environment, relying on Keysight's 6G terminal testbed. Their goal was to validate whether such dense antenna arrays could deliver performance matching current 5G systems.
X-MIMO technology packs four times the antenna density of today's 5G networks. This increase is essential for maintaining strong coverage while boosting data throughput in the 7 GHz band. During the test, the system transmitted data at speeds reaching 375 MB/s.
The push for 6G has seen other recent developments. In December 2025, Samsung and KT tested AI-RAN, integrating artificial intelligence into a commercial network. Earlier, in October 2025, Nvidia invested $1 billion in Nokia to develop AI-driven mobile networks.
Plans for real-world deployment are already underway. Seoul's metropolitan area will serve as the first test region, led by Samsung. Germany's Munich and Berlin areas will follow, with Rohde & Schwarz taking the lead. Partners like Ericsson, Nokia, and Huawei may also join later trials announced in late 2025.
The trial confirms that X-MIMO can support high-speed data transfer in the 7 GHz band. This achievement brings 6G closer to commercial use, with initial rollouts expected in South Korea and Germany. The technology's ability to match 5G coverage while increasing capacity marks a key milestone for future networks.
