Apple has received a U.S. Federal Communications Commission license to test 5G cellular, paving the way for the ultra-fast cellular data technology to appear as a feature in future Apple devices, such as the iPhone and iPad.
You can add Apple to the long and growing list of companies conducting millimeter wave broadband trials as fifth generation (5G) broadband looms on the horizon. The FCC just approved the company’s application for an experimental license to test millimeter wave technology in two locations near the company’s offices in Milpitas, California. The application makes particular reference to using the 28 and 39 GHz bands, which the FCC approved for commercial use for 5G services last year.
“Apple Inc. seeks to assess cellular link performance in direct path and multipath environments between base station transmitters and receivers using this spectrum,” Apple’s application states.
“These assessments will provide engineering data relevant to the operation of devices on wireless carriers’ future 5G networks,” continued the Cupertino firm’s application.
The super-fast cellular data technology is capable of speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second. The 5G standard still hasn’t been completed, and any serious deployment of the technology isn’t expected to occur until at least 2020.
