3GPP Approves First 5G Wireless Specifications For Next Gen Mobile Devices

Intel has taken time to congratulate all involved with the new 3GPP Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G New Radio (NR) Standard that was recently completed. The new standard is hailed as a “remarkable step forward for the industry.” With the NSA 5G NR standard complete, for the first item we have an internationally recognized specification for 5G radio systems. This is the foundation on which the mobile industry can move forward on testing and commercializing next-gen wireless services and devices.

Intel’s Asha Keddy wrote, “I'd like to congratulate the parties that contributed to the development of this standard, setting the foundation for an interoperable global marketplace ripe with economic opportunity and technological possibility. As I commented in the related news release, Intel participated in the process, working closely with mobile industry leaders to support the standard and accelerate the first NR trials.”

Some of the first devices that we see on 5G technology will include Internet of Things and enhanced Mobile Broadband. 5G tech will also find a place in the automotive market with Vehicle-to-Everything Communications (V2X). Intel notes that it has already been testing in these segments with 5G technologies.

Keddy added, “Intel has already been innovating in many of these segments, conducting field trials with the Intel 5G Mobile Trial Platform (MTP) and the Intel GO 5G Automotive Platform. To prepare for the specification finalization, we have to be two to three years ahead of the standards when it comes to gathering key learnings about use cases and their related performance requirements."

Intel worked with other major tech firms on that technology including Eriksson, Nokia, AT&T, Korea Telecom, NTT Docomo, and Verizon. Intel notes that it has evolved its MTP right along with the progress of the NR specifications getting its technology ready for the finalization of the standard.

Intel is ready with NSA 5G NR trials using its MTP along with the 5G RFIC technology that supports sub-GHz and mmWave. The company is also getting ready for trials with its 5G RFFE running on 28GHz and 39GHz bands. The real-world trials will use the Intel XMM 8000 series modem and Intel notes that customer devices using that modem are expected in 2019. This is the same modem that Apple is rumored to be eyeing for future 5G devices.