While 5th Generation (5G) network technology in itself isn’t yet available, it is surprising that ZTE is optimistic that it will be soon enough. Hence, the company’s plan to release a 5G-enabled smartphone before the end of this year.
Through its Chief Executive Officer, Lixin Cheng, Chinese telecommunications company, ZTE announced plans to produce and release a 5G-enabled device to the United States market before the end of the year 2018 or in the first quarter of 2019.
That’s not all. Cheng went further to reveal that the company also has a 5G tablet and a wireless internet hub in store for consumers.
Great plans, I must say. However, the feasibility of these revelations is of concern. Particularly the timeframe attached to the delivery of the projects. Why? Because according to this White paper, the 5G network won’t be readily available until 2020. So, ZTE proposing a 5G enabled smartphone for 2018 may not be totally realistic given that the network equipment and technology isn’t available yet.
And though some top telecommunications company like Verizon and AT&T have already commenced trials of the 5G network in their labs and some locations across the US, it isn’t certain if they would be done by the end of 2018. Neither is it sure that by 2019, the 5G technology would have been stabilized.
The news of the upcoming ZTE’s 5G smartphone was brought to life by Bloomberg after its interview with the company’s CEO. And while Bloomberg labelled ZTE as “the one who could pioneer 5G phone in the U.S. market”, it also recognized possibilities that the plan could be delayed.
“Plans may change based on the availability of fifth-generation networks and the supply of the necessary chipsets.”
ZTE isn’t that first smartphone company to get in the race of bringing a 5G phone to life. Other giant OEMs like Samsung and Apple are also in the race. Apple had even started the race last year after the US government granted it permission to commence testing of the 5G network across the state.
ZTE has given a date, let’s see if they would stick to it. And in the long run, we would be on the lookout for the first company to successfully produce a 5G enabled phone.
It is believed that the 5G network will have a download speed of up to 10 gigabits per second, compared to 4G’s 1 gigabit per second. That’s 10 times faster internet connectivity and download speed. Asides faster download speed, reduced latency (faster load time) is also assured.
To think of it, the majority of tech companies are already revealing the plans for the year 2018. Smartphone they intend to release for the year and what user should expect. It was just days ago when a top BlackBerry officially announced the first BlackBerry phone to expect in 2018 and other upcoming BlackBerry phones for 2018.
As days and months roll by, we expect other smartphone brands to follow suit with announcements and plans for the year.
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