5G is just around the corner, according to ZTE (News - Alert) Corp. The Chinese smartphone producer announced its goal to launch a 5G smartphone in the U.S. by late 2018/early 2019, shared CEO Lixin Cheng.
Speaking with Bloomberg (News - Alert) News, Cheng explained the release is dependent upon availability of fifth-generation networks and chipset supply. Said chipsets will be sold by Qualcomm (News - Alert) to allow speedy and efficient wireless connections. Cheng’s focus is the 5G phones, and when asked about expanding to tablets and 5G for homes, while he is not dismissing it, timing is yet to be determined.
In October 2017, Wen Ku, director of China’s telecom department shared the first 5G global standard would be released in June of 2018. 5G will change the face of technology as it will cut latency down from 50 to one millisecond. This means the possible development of driverless cars and robotic surgery, according to a recent article written by Paula Bernier.
By being the first company to release a 5G smartphone, ZTE would make a strong statement to the space. The faster, the better; greater bandwidth allows more advanced apps to be run on mobile devices. But, ZTE is not the first company to announce plans for a 2018 5G release; AT&T shared in early January plans for 5G phone service in roughly a dozen cities.
A year ago, Nokia (News - Alert) said it was working with a handful of international carriers and this month, Samsung and Apple announced a partnership to bring 5G internet into California households. Additionally, in 2017, Apple (News - Alert) was given permission by the United States government to start 5G network testing.
A global 5G roll-out means much for the next generation of communications and connectivity.
Are you 5G ready?
Edited by
Maurice Nagle
