Having access to 5G network right at our fingertips is getting closer to becoming a reality. At Mobile World Congress today, Intel announced that it will be working with Japan’s NTT Docomo to build a 5G network for the 2020 games in Tokyo. Intel says that it expected it to be the largest 5G deployment at that time. It’s honestly not that surprising because by 2020, it’s expected that many carriers will offer 5G services, but it’s good to see that Intel is making some big promises that it plans to deliver on.
Notably, the company said it promises 8K 360-degree video streams, which would be a huge upgrade over the lackluster VR video for this year’s Winter Olympics. In addition, we can expect to see more drones equipped with better cameras (4K, possibly?), and have 5G-enabled sensors and other services for visitors at the 2020 games.
Intel also added that it will power 5G integration in vehicles, which current get speeds of 1Gbps while watching 4K video and moving at about 30 kilometers per hour.
I’m actually quite impressed with the timing of this announcement and it couldn’t be better for the company. Especially if Intel wants to really move the industry and turn heads to 5G. By 2020, there’s a pretty good chance that many consumers will have access to 5G devices, so Intel deploying a full-scale 5G network with NTT Docomo will work out well for all parties involved.
