Consumer Electronics Show 2019 marked a major step towards adoption to 5G technology with successful testing of 5G video call by T-Mobile with its partners Intel and Ericson. The 5G video call was tested by using a diverse array of wireless spectrum bands from low frequency, mid-frequency to high frequency.
The call was tested by using three spectrum bands of 28Hz, 39Hz and 60Hz. T-Mobile managed to cover 1000 miles of distance by using 600Hz spectrum band.
Signals transmitted at higher frequencies can transfer more data at faster speed while those transmitted at low frequencies travel longer distances but at reduced data speed. Telecom companies face the challenge of combining different frequency bands to cover huge distances to offer seamless data services. High frequency wavelengths is key to offer 5G high speeds.
The 5G term derives from the fifth generation of advancements in cellular technology which promises to greatly enhance the coverage, speed and responsiveness to the wireless data transmission technology. The technology has potential to provide 10 to 100 times speedier transmission than regular data networks. This will easily outstrip whatever a physical fiber optic cable speeds.
The company stated that the 5G video call demonstration is a decisive milestone in the evolution of 5G technology. The test involved multiple spectrum bands of low, mid and millimeter wavelengths. The 5G technology domain has seen rapid strides by competitors of T-Mobile like Verizon and AT&T. Verizon wants to launch its 5G services in 2019 and has already launched its home based 5G broadband service in selected cities. AT&T is planning a similar launch date by using commercial launch of its hotspot device.
T-Mobile has already participated in spectrum band auction and owns some low frequency bands. While it waiting to gain new millimeter frequency bands through its acquisition of Sprint. The 5G technology industry is witnessed significant developments in recent months as more and more companies announce plans to enter the business. At CES 2019, Ford Motor Company has also announced that all its automobiles from 2022 onwards will be equipped with 5G technology. Verizon has also demonstrated its first 5G enabled smartphone device. Qualcomm Inc. The largest chip maker in the world has announced that its chips will be used to enable 30 new 5G enabled smartphones waiting to be launched by the end of 2019.