Airtel 5G carrier aggregation: Airtel is testing new 5G upgrades that aim to give users faster speeds and smooth network experiences across cities. These trials focus on improving upload speeds, download capacity, and overall stability. Airtel is working with major technology partners and is slowly pushing these improvements into real-world use. Many users of 5G phones are already feeling a speed jump in supported areas, hinting at what’s next for mobile data in India.

Airtel’s 5G Carrier Aggregation Tests

Airtel is actively running trials for 5G carrier aggregation, a technique that merges multiple frequency bands to boost performance. This helps in pushing higher data capacity, smoother network quality, and better reach for indoor coverage. Airtel is upgrading its 5G in stages by combining both NSA and SA networks to bring faster response times along with stronger stability.

Uplink Speed Trial Boost

In September 2024, Airtel conducted a trial for a new uplink scheme in association with Nokia and MediaTek. It combined the 3.5 GHz band (n78) with a 2.1 GHz band (n1), pushing upload speeds to 300 Mbps. The jump would mean users can upload large files, stream live video, and join video calls without any lag. Such uplink strength can come in handy for creators, remote workers, and gamers who require stable uploads.

Peak Download Speeds Test

Airtel and Ericsson pushed download speeds up to 4.7 Gbps using the mmWave 26 GHz band in February 2024, further showing the real-world speed at which 5G can run. While the test focused on Fixed Wireless Access setups, it proved that the carrier aggregation unlocks impressive download power for upcoming use cases.

Progressive Commercial Rollout

Airtel has been gradually deploying carrier aggregation on the 5G Plus network. The complete deployment remains uncertain, but users in the supported cities can already witness faster speeds. The company is also re-farming old mid-band spectrum, such as 1800, 2100, and 2300 MHz, to manage the increased traffic, improving indoor and outdoor coverage in congested areas.

Network Evolution Strategy

Airtel is building its 5G on the NSA mode using its strong 4G base, while it shifts toward a mix of NSA and SA modes. This dual approach brings advanced features such as ultra-low latency and better efficiency in data handling. Carrier aggregation is a key feature in this upgrade, helping deliver faster and more reliable user experience.

Conclusion

Airtel’s move for advanced carrier aggregation marks a significant turn in mobile internet performance. For users with 5G-compatible phones, the speeds are already better in covered zones, and these trials mark a clear way ahead for stronger networks and seamless connectivity across India.