LTE now outperforms home broadband with the new Intel and Qualcomm 5G modems. However, mobile networks are not yet ready to adopt the upgrade.
The Intel and Qualcomm 5G modems were announced on Tuesday. Qualcomm labeled it as the Snapdragon X20 LTE chipset. It can transfer data at speeds of up to 1.2Gbps. Meanwhile, Intel called its gigabit variant as the XMM 7560 LTE which boasts 1Gbps.
Intel & Qualcomm 5G features
RC Wireless reported that Qualcomm 5G is built on a 10-nanometer process that supports Category 18 LTE. It can extend the possibility of 1 Gbps to more operators by covering more bands. Qualcomm roughly estimates 90 percent of the world's operators will be able to use the processor on their networks soon.
The X20 combines up to 12 data streams of 100 megabits per second. Reportedly, it works with 4x4 multiple inputs and multiple output antenna technology. Qualcomm 5G also sports 256 quadrature amplitude modulation and carrier aggregation. Featuring three blocks of 20 megahertz each, the Qualcomm 5G modems could deliver four data streams per block.
On the other hand, the Intel XMM 7560 sits on a 14-nanometer process that supports up to 35 bands. They range from at least 700 megahertz to six gigahertz at the most. Similar to the Qualcomm 5G, Intel runs 4x4 MIMO and 256 QAM. Additionally, it sports 5x carrier aggregation on a single transceiver and downlink license assisted access.
Companies that help make the 5G dream a reality
Unfortunately, mobile networks are not yet designed to handle such fast speeds. Although Telstra is an exception, the Australian company launched its gigabit LTE service for commercial use in its country only. Jim McGregor, a principal analyst at Tirias Research, predicts that gigabit LTE like Intel will inch its way into smartphones this year.
According to PC World, the Qualcomm 5G modem may retail in 2018. Intel, for its part, assures that the XMM 7560 is ready. However, it does not know when capable handsets would come out.
While most phone users do not need Intel and Qualcomm 5G, more PC's are requiring 1.2Gbps. The reason is that apps like Uber, Snapchat, and WhatsApp are not considered as "high-end" applications. Nonetheless, the trump card in winning the tech race is continuous improvement.
As of now, AT&T Mobility and T-Mobile US reported that they can achieve a gigabit LTE speed "in the near future." One good sign is the fact that smartphones with additional antennas for 4x4 MMO are already hitting the market. Well, Intel and Qualcomm 5G truly redefined internet speed as we know it.
