Proximus mobile network ready for even more quality

The "most impatient network" becomes even more impatient: Proximus launches VoLTE and successfully tests 4.5G

Two innovations that will further improve the performance of Proximus' mobile network:

• Later this year, Proximus is launching VoLTE, which allows you to surf but also call via 4G
• Proximus demonstrates the technology of the future, with 4.5G at a top speed of 1.1 Gbps

Proximus: a tradition of mobile innovations, driven by the customer’s user experience

In 1994, Proximus became a pioneer in Belgium by launching the very first mobile network. This was followed (in 2004) by the 3G network, for a fast surfing experience. To also offer customers a super-fast surfing experience, Proximus was the first to test (in 2012) and launch (in 2014) the 4G network. But that still wasn't fast enough! In 2015, 4G+ followed in major cities. In that same year, Proximus offered customers three other mobile innovations: Mobile Coverage Extender (to boost mobile coverage in every room of the home or office), Smart Wi-Fi (free automatic switching between mobile Internet and Wi-Fi while on the move) and finally, LoRa, the network that makes the Internet of Things possible.

Today, excellent mobile quality, tailored to the customer

To always offer its customers an excellent user experience and also anticipate their future needs, Proximus continues to make substantial investments in its networks and services. Not just in the maintenance and upgrade of its existing 2G and 3G networks, but also in the further deployment of 4G and 4G+ for mobile Internet at high speeds.

Proximus is today, without a doubt, the "most impatient network", and can offer its customers the most high-performance mobile network, both in terms of indoor and outdoor coverage (cfr. the BIPT's coverage maps) and with regard to speed, which on average is higher than that of the competition, as shown in recent measurements taken by the independent research firm Commsquare.

Besides measuring speed or coverage, Proximus also carefully monitors the quality of its network by measuring the real user experience, as witnessed by the customer every day.

Proximus analyzes each type of use (calling, sharing files, watching videos, surfing, etc.) in each situation (indoors, outdoors, in the city or countryside, in the metro, in a car, on a train, in public buildings, etc.).

The results of these quality measurements on 101 indicators (cfr. Proximus website, network quality score) show that Proximus is at the top in terms of mobile superiority, ahead of the competition.

This extensive analysis, based on the customer experience, helps Proximus to invest according to the needs of the customer, and to ensure that today and in the future, customers can benefit from the "most impatient network" anytime, anywhere, with a superior user experience while calling, surfing, and watching or sharing files, videos, and photos.

And, tomorrow too, Proximus is going a step further.

The "most impatient network" even more impatient, thanks to VoLTE

Proximus has seen its mobile data traffic increase tenfold since 2013, partly thanks to its high-performance 4G network.

Proximus makes a point of allowing its customers to be the first to try out the latest technologies. The 4G network already allowed ultra-fast surfing, and thanks to a further optimization, this top quality can now also be used to call.

With VoLTE (Voice over LTE), the customer can also call via 4G, which offers a number of advantages:

• Calls are set up faster because the smartphone can remain on 4G for the call, and no longer has to switch back to 3G or 2G.
• Crystal-clear and life-like sound quality without any background noise, in high definition (HD Voice, already rolled out in March 2016 on 3G).
• Simultaneous calling and surfing at 4G speeds, for those who like multitasking with their smartphone (using a headset/earphones for hands-free calling).

Proximus is conducting extensive tests on this technology, and within a few months, all customers with a compatible smartphone will be able to benefit from it automatically, regardless of their rate plan.

The "most impatient network" is preparing for the future, with 1.1 Gbps on 4.5G

The average data traffic is expected to increase eight fold by 2020, partly due to the increase in mobile data and more intensive use of video. To always stay a step ahead of the customer's needs, Proximus is already investing in the network of the future.

Pending the fixing of the 5G standards, Proximus together with Huawei has successfully tested the 4.5G technology – a first in Belgium – which allows download speeds of up to 1.1 Gbps, i.e. eight times faster than the 150 Mbps peak speed of 4G.

This speed was partly achieved by mixing spectrum in different frequency bands (2600 MHz, 2100 MHz, 1800 MHz and 800 MHz).

This innovation opens the door to a bright future for new services such as 2K/4K video, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), which will greatly enhance the customer's experience (with a compatible device). To effectively roll out this technology in the network, Proximus is counting on optimal regulations.

With these innovations, Proximus is once again taking the lead in order to offer its customers the best possible user experience. Technology at the service of the customer.