Qualcomm Ushers In 10 Gigabit 5G Era With FWA Platform, Modem-RF System

Qualcomm is sampling the Snapdragon X65 5G modem-RF system, the first 10 Gigabit 5G and the first 3rd Generation Partnership Project release 16 modem-RF system, which the company said will bring consumers “fiber-like browsing speeds and low-latency” over 5G. Tight modem-RF integration and advanced modem-RF technologies will result in faster data speeds, improved coverage and call quality, and support for all-day battery life, said the company Tuesday, saying next-generation applications include cloud- and edge-based computing, highly responsive multiplayer gaming, rich entertainment, immersive 360-degree video and instant apps. It also announced the Snapdragon X62 5G modem-RF System, a modem-to-antenna technology for mainstream adoption of mobile broadband applications. “The 5G transition presents the biggest opportunity for Qualcomm as mobile technology is poised to benefit virtually every industry,” said CEO-elect Cristiano Amon, calling Snapdragon X65 a "significant milestone." Connectivity up to 10 Gbps and support for the latest 5G specifications will help enable new 5G use cases for premium smartphones and open "a new realm of possibilities for 5G expansion across mobile broadband, compute, XR, industrial IoT, private networks and fixed wireless access,” said Amon. Also Tuesday, Qualcomm bowed its second-generation 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) platform, powered by the X65 system, that will allow mobile operators to offer fixed broadband service. With extended-range 5G millimeter-wave, extended-range 5G sub-6 GHz and sub-6 GHz support, Qualcomm sees FWA accelerating delivery of 5G to consumers as a plug-and-play alternative to DSL, cable or fiber. The platform includes a reference design to help manufacturers commercialize 5G fixed wireless access devices quickly and deliver a reliable internet connection with peak speeds of 10 Gbps. The platform will help operators offer a “last mile” broadband option that's widely available across urban, suburban and rural environments using their 5G network infrastructure, Qualcomm said.