Apple is set to begin testing its 5G technology after the US Federal Communications Commission approved its application to work towards bringing the technology to masses.
According to a report in Engadget on Thursday, Apple is targeting millimetre-wave broadband at higher frequency and smaller wavelength bands.
Millimetre-wave technology helps in larger data transmission at faster speed. But to allow such larger data transmission go through, a direct line of sight is needed.
There are already other tech companies in the field working on 5G technology. Facebook, Google, Samsung and Starry have been already working on this technology for a while. Apple is just getting started.
"Sprint is looking to launch its 5G service in 2019, while T-Mobile is shooting for 2020. AT&T and Verizon are making moves towards 5G networks as well," the report said.
These companies and others have acquired plenty of millimeter-wave spectra of their own. This allows larger data transmission at faster delivery speeds. Engadget reports that these signals can’t go through objects well and so need a direct line of sight which is an added complication.
According to an Engadget report earlier this year, AT&T announced that it would acquire Straight Path Communications for $1.6 billion, specifically because Straight Path owns licenses to use high-frequency radio waves that will be crucial for the next generation of wireless technology. But there were reports that Verizon stepped up with a big of $3.1 billio in stock, an offer AT&T did not want to match.
There are no details in Apple's application about how its 5G service would work in practice.
According to media reports, it has been granted access to test its technology in two locations near its California offices until August 2018.
With IANS inputs