Faster upload speeds for Pixel owners

3rd February 2025 By: Adam

Vodafone and Google are now able to offer owners of the Google Pixel 8 Pro and new Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Fold phones enhanced upload performance after introducing new network capabilities for users on the Vodafone UK 5G Ultra network.

Over recent years, the amount of data consumers are uploading has rapidly expanded thanks to the growth of user-generated content shared with friends and family, as well as over social media platforms. This trend is set to continue, with smartphone applications becoming more immersive and interactive, as well as the introduction of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Boosting upload capabilities

In recognition of the growing importance of user-generated content to customers, Vodafone and Google have partnered to improve upload speeds using a technology known as MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output).  

In doing so, Vodafone has doubled the number of antennas communicating with Google Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Fold phones, improving upload speeds and the reliability of the connection. The technology enables customers to quickly share captured 4K content, allowing live-streaming of movie-quality video content. 

Vodafone also activated a technique known as Uplink Carrier Aggregation (ULCA) as an alternative feature to Uplink MIMO to allow faster uploads with the Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Fold phones. In order to simultaneously improve download performances for Google Pixel 8 Pro and Google Pixel 9 series users, Vodafone also enhanced the ULCA combinations available on the 5G Ultra network, allowing the simultaneous aggregation of four bands. Both capabilities will be made available on other devices in the future.

Andrea Dona, Chief Network Officer, Vodafone UK, said: “By looking at the data, we can clearly see customer behaviour changing as more of our lives become digital. In previous years, the digital highway was a one-way street, with consumers downloading significantly more data than uploading, but it is starting to balance out now. We must recognise this customer trend and adapt our network as a result.”

Michiel van Eldik, VP, Devices & Services Partnerships, Google EMEA, said: “We want our customers to have the freedom to share their experiences seamlessly and in the highest quality possible. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with Vodafone on network advancements that make this a reality. Whether it’s live-streaming a concert or sharing a 4K video with loved ones, we’re committed to providing the best possible mobile experience.”