While we’re getting closer to a 5G network, we’re still a little way off. Qualcomm recently announced that it’s working with various phone manufacturers to release it’s Snapdragon X50 5G NR modems next year.
Qualcomm leads the market in 3G/4G cellular radios that connect smartphones to cellular networks. 5G networks are expected to deliver download speeds of 5 gigabits per second. They will feature more capacity, better reliability and undetectable transmission delays. The 5G network will use millimetre wave frequencies with a lot of bandwidth; however, the system must be monitored thoroughly to prevent degradation.
Nokia / HMD, Sony, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, HTC, LG, Asus, ZTE, Sharp, and Fujitsu are some of the phone companies that plan on using Qualcomm’s technology. Noticeably missing are Apple, Samsung, and Huawei, three of the world’s biggest phone manufacturers, notes The Verge.
While Apple and Samsung use Qualcomm modems in some of their devices, Huawei does not. Apple is embroiled in a legal battle with the equipment company and could eliminate Qualcomm’s modems in the future. Samsung may opt to use its own Exynos chipset as an alternative.
Qualcomm is conducting 5G trials with groups such as AT&T, British Telecom, China Mobile, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, SK Telecom, Sprint, Telstra, Verizon, and Vodafone.
“The (wireless industry) is preparing for 5G,” said Qualcomm President Cristiano Amon. “Operators today that cover 2.5 billion users, they are actively investing in the preparation of their networks, the upgrades. They are getting ready to announce capital expenditure expansion. Some already did. They are building the 5G infrastructure.”
Will consumers be enticed to upgrade their smartphones to 5G? Qualcomm thinks so.
“The bottom line is we are pretty confident that adoption is going to come as soon as we put this capability in the hands of the user,” said Serge Willenegger, senior vice president of 4G/5G and Smart Cities for Qualcomm.
