The UK’s 4G coverage might still be patchy at best, but the first 5G tests are already being planned.
Chinese networking-turn-smartphone giant Huawei has confirmed it will have the first 5G network ready and running in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
With the wider mobile industry having largely been backing the first 5G networks to make an appearance by 2020 at the earliest, Huawei’s latest pledge is a positive move for the introduction of lighting-fast mobile internet.
The company will partner with Russian network provider MegaFon to trial the next-gen communications technologies and form industry-wide 5G standards.
The two will hold 5G trials and carry out pilot projects across a test area in the country during June 2017. The final system will then be in place for the following summer’s tournament.
“With the help of MegaFon, we are confident of turning science-fiction-like service into 5G reality for citizens in Russia and soccer fans around the world, two years ahead of the industry’s estimated introduction date of 2020,” Ryan Ding, President of Huawei Products and Solutions said of the move.
While Samsung recently claimed it has achieved 5G test speeds in excess of 30 times current 4G standards, Huawei has predicted final 5G speeds will be around 100 times faster than current technologies.
That means Full HD feature films will be downloadable in less than one second, all whilst you walk the streets.
Although Russia will benefit from 5G data connections in 2018, don’t expect the services to be introduced until the UK at the same time.
Earlier this year, London Mayor Boris Johnson revealed the English capital revealed plans were in place to bring 5G to London by 2020.
“London is earning a reputation for being the tech capital of Europe and that is why we need to ensure every Londoner is able to access the very best digital connectivity,” he said back in July.
“Rapidly improving the connectivity of this great city is a key part of the Infrastructure Plan for London.”
Read More: 5G vs 4G: The future of mobile networks
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
