An application has been filed by Apple for the testing of a next-level wireless technology – commonly referred to as 5G – and which has the potential to radically raise the bandwidth and speed of cellular connections. The application for the experimental license was disclosed by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.
“Apple Inc. seeks to assess cellular link performance in direct path and multipath environments between base station transmitters and receivers using this spectrum. These assessments will provide engineering data relevant to the operation of devices on wireless carriers’ future 5G networks,” the application for a license by Apple read.
5G Technology
According to the information provided on the application, the testing of the 5G technology will be done in two places in California: in Milpitas along Yosemite Drive and on Mariana Avenue where Apple’s original headquarters were and is just adjacent to 1 Infinite Loop, the current headquarters of the iPhone maker.
In the Apple application the 28 GHz band and the 39 GHz band are specifically mentioned. These are the same frequency bands that were approved by the Federal Communications Commission for the commercial use of the 5G applications in 2016. Apple’s testing efforts will use technology that has been built by Analog Devices, A.H. Systems and Rohde & Schwarz. On the application Mark Neumann who is a regulatory engineer is listed as the primary contact.
Higher Speeds
One of the advantages of the millimeter wave technology over current technologies is that latency goes down when it becomes ubiquitous. This will allow device access to more bandwidth in a more reliable way than is currently the case over cellular networks. The technology also has the potential to greatly raise the speed as well as the bandwidth of networks. This will make accessing the internet on mobile devices much faster than with current wireless technologies
The mystery remains; why is Apple conducting such tests when it has not previously been known to involve itself in 5G experimentation or research? The 28 GHz band is, however, capable of transmitting communications between earth and space and the Cupertino, California-based tech giant recently recruited ex-Google satellite executives for an unknown project.
