Orange tested 5G mmWave technology for the first time in Romania

Orange Romania has tested 5G millimeter Wave (mmWave) technology for the first time in our country in a 5G Standalone (SA) network. This is the next generation of 5G innovations, applicable to data intensive scenarios: congested areas, alternative to fiber optics, video production and transmission, immersive applications.

For the tests, Orange was authorized by ANCOM to use the radio spectrum in the 26 GHz band in the 5G laboratory in Bucharest. Thus, speeds of up to 10 Gbps download and 1.2 Gbps upload were achieved. In May, Orange launched the first public implementation of 5G SA (Standalone) technology in Romania, in the Danube Delta, through the 5G Connect Danube Delta project, with the support of the European Commission. And now the operator has tested the extended capabilities of 5G mmWave, which operates in the 26 GHz frequency band, providing future capacity for growth and expansion of 5G+ networks but also for the development of 6G. Currently, 5G networks are active mostly in the 700 MHz or 3,500 MHz bands and gradually in the spectrum freed up following the closure of old networks, such as 3G, for example in the 2,100 MHz band. The maximum speeds that can currently be achieved through 5G+ technology are around 1.5 Gbps.

The fastest network in Romania is preparing for the future of connectivity. 5G mmWave delivers multi-gigabit speeds by using a wider radio band, offering greater stability in areas with heavy traffic. Among the most relevant scenarios at the moment are: hotspots in crowded places (stadiums, arenas, festivals, airports, train stations, shopping malls), alternative to fixed fiber internet in any area (urban, suburban, rural) through FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) services, media production and broadcasting (4K/8K live broadcasts, fast upload of content from the field), immersive applications available remotely without latency problems (AR, VR, XR), private 5G+ networks for industrial applications that require high speeds and stability and extremely low latency, replacing regular Wi-Fi equipment (smart factories and Industry 4.0).

The test was carried out in a closed enclosure, more precisely in the Orange 5G Lab within the Politehnica University of Bucharest, in the 5G N258 radio band, using a temporary, experimental license granted by ANCOM. An Ericsson mmWave radio system and Nokia 5G terminals integrating Wi-Fi 7 capabilities were used. By achieving speeds of approximately 10 Gbps for download and 1.2 Gbps for upload, the importance of Wi-Fi 7 integration for using mmWave technology to its full potential was also demonstrated.

“In 2025, we exceeded our network expansion goals. Orange Romania currently has 5G/5G+ in over 70 cities and we have accelerated the implementation in many more by the end of the year. Last week, we launched 5G+ for the first time in the Bucharest metro, reaching speeds of up to 1 Gbps. In addition, we demonstrated that implementing 5G Standalone in Romania for the first time can open up new economic and social opportunities in one of the most isolated areas – the Danube Delta. Exploring 5G mmWave technology, in a Standalone (SA) environment, creates a new precedent in our country and is part of our constant commitment to providing Romanians with access to state-of-the-art connectivity. Innovation is not only about the widest possible range of services, but especially about connecting those who need it most, those who have not had access to technologies that allow them to look to the future. At the same time, this national premiere opens up new opportunities for growth and efficiency for the Romanian business environment. At Orange we ensure that new generations of communications are a bridge for all generations to new possibilities”, said Marius Maican, Technology Director Orange Romania.

The 26 GHz band (24.25-27.5 GHz) has been harmonized since 2019 at the European Union level to be used by terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services on broadband radio support, in the member states.