Power Class (PC) is a 3GPP™ standard[1] that defines the strength with which a device can transmit its signal, where a lower class number indicates higher output power. Higher power is critical for improving signal quality and extending network reach, which is especially useful in hard-to-reach areas. At the same time, the rise of data- and time-intensive services, such as physical AI, autonomous systems, and AR/VR, is driving increased demand for uplink speeds. PC1 is expected to be a key factor in improving the FWA user experience by delivering fiber-like uplink speeds and reducing bottlenecks, thus supporting the demands of evolving technologies and next-generation AI services.
The test was conducted in Samsung's R&D lab using its fully software-based vRAN solution, 3.7 GHz Massive MIMO radios, and a test device equipped with Qualcomm Technologies' X85 chipset.
Key technical findings include:
- Up to 10x improvement in upload performance: During lab testing, the application of PC1 technology achieved up to 10x faster upload performance at the cell edge compared to the PC1.5 standard. For users, this translates to smoother video calls and faster file uploads in areas where signals are typically weaker, such as remote regions or isolated corners of buildings.
- 1.4x Coverage Expansion: In addition to performance improvements, PC1 is able to extend coverage range by up to 40% compared to PC1.5. This allows individual devices to stay connected over a much wider area, maintaining strong signals even when they are further from a base station.
"As networks continue to evolve and support more AI-powered services, high-performance wireless infrastructure becomes more essential," said Eun Yong Kim, vice president and head of Air Technology for Samsung Electronics' Networks business.
“This validation underscores Samsung’s commitment to bringing advanced technologies to market with partners like Qualcomm Technologies, enabling operators to deliver faster, more efficient networks capable of handling everything from seamless industrial data transmission to ever-increasing data volume user experiences.” “With its increased transmission power, PC1 technology extends both the performance and range of FWA devices,” said Gautam Sheoran, senior vice president and general manager of Connectivity, Broadband, and Networking at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
“Our collaboration with Samsung demonstrates how ecosystem innovation is driving smarter, more capable networks, bringing stronger, more reliable connectivity to everyday users.” Following successful lab testing, the companies also recently conducted field trials on a major US carrier’s network, and the feature is expected to be commercially available in 2027.
Samsung Networks has pioneered the successful delivery of end-to-end 5G solutions, including chipsets, radios, and cores. Through continuous research and development, Samsung is driving the industry forward with 5G networks and paving the way for 6G and beyond with its market-leading product portfolio, from purpose-built RAN, vRAN, Open RAN, AI RAN, and cloud-native cores to private network solutions and AI-powered automation tools. The company currently delivers innovative network solutions to mobile operators, providing seamless connectivity to hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
[1] 3GPP is a trademark of ETSI
