Vodafone said it achieved actual peak data download speeds of 16 Mbps using HSPA+ on its Spanish network. Real world speeds are expected to be 4 Mbps. The operator plans to conduct more trials later this year using the HSPA+ MIMO solution that should deliver peak download rates of 21 Mbps

If the trials prove a success, Vodafone plans to make this technology available in selected commercial networks. The trials were carried out in cooperation with Ericsson and Qualcomm. Commercial launch of HSPA+ would require new handsets and Vodafone says it is working with partners to develop these new devices. Australia's Telstra launched an HSPA+ network in 2006 which is theoretically capable of delivering download speeds of up to 21 Mbps.

For more:
- check out the Register [1]

Related articles:
Telecom Italia to roll out HSPA+ [2]
Qualcomm demos HSPA+ [3] transfer rate at 20 Mbps