Chinese electronic device and smartphone maker Huawei has showed off the world’s first 5G chip at Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona.
The telecoms giant unveiled the Balong 5G01 chipset. Designed and manufactured by the Huawei, it offers 3GPP standard 5G connectivity. The chip provides downlink speeds of up to 2.3Gbps and supports 5G connectivity across all frequency bands. These include sub-6GHz and millimetre wave.
Huawei said the chip is designed for multiple use cases and claims it is the first to offer 5G connectivity at network, device, and chipset level.
At #MWC18, the company also showed off its f5G-ready CPE equipment, which will be available in two variants. The first will support low-frequency 5G bands, while the other will cater for high-frequency offerings. Compatible with both 4G and 5G networks, the CPE equipment can enable speeds of up to 2Gbps.
Cohesive strategy
Huawei confirmed that it has “developed a 5G device strategy, which utilises the high-speed, low-latency, big-connectivity qualities of 5G to create richer, more varied connected experiences for the user”.
Working with industry partners, such as Vodafone, SoftBank, T-Mobile, BT, Telefonica, China Mobile and China Telecom, Huawei is hoping to develop a range of 5G-ready smartphones, WiFi devices, and industrial modules.
Last year, the company began testing commercial 5G technologies with its partners. It expects to roll out its first publicly available 5G networks this year.
Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group, said the company has spent years researching and developing fifth-generation mobile connectivity.
“5G technology will underpin the next leap forward for our intelligent world, where people, vehicles, homes, and devices are fully connected, delivering new experiences, insights and capabilities.” he said.
“Since 2009, Huawei has invested US$600 million in research and development into 5G technologies, where we have led the way with innovations around network architecture, spectrum usage, field verification, and more.”
Huawei isn’t just looking to bring 5G to mobile phones; it is also planning to build an ecosystem supporting the technology, including for homes and cars.
Yu added: “From connected vehicles and smart homes to AR/VR and hologram videos, we are committed to developing a mature 5G ecosystem, so that consumers can benefit from a truly connected world that transforms the way we communicate and share.”
Internet of Business says
2018 is shaping up to be the year in which the promise of 5G finally emerges into the real world. Expect a raft of new announcements soon.
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