AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has announced the start of real-world testing of its 5G network tests. The trial phase will begin with the Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) in Austin, Texas. Previously the mobile carrier had only conducted lab tests in places like California, New Jersey, and Georgia.
mmWave technology
AT&T will partner with Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) in the first public test designed to shed light on how the technology plays out in a real-world business environment. They will use mmWave (millimeter wave) technology with the goal of reaching speeds of 14gbps for a 4K video file. The trial will involve the common business use requirements such as virtual private networks, unified communications, video streaming, and internet access.
“This trial is a significant step forward. We’re leaving the lab and heading into the field with a real-world business customer,” said Rick Hubbard, AT&T’s senior Vice President of networking product management.
The trials will also involve finding out how well the signals can go through physical obstructions like glass windows and trees in order for them to get inside buildings. Once the signals are inside the building, employees of Intel will stream 4K video files over a standard Wi-Fi. The workers will also conduct normal operations over VPNs, exchange big files and basically try to overload the equipment.
Mobile videos
5G network technology has been made necessary by the shift to mobile devices whereby consumers are watching more and more videos on their hand-held gadgets. This has required faster video streaming of which the network speeds play a significant role. An international standard for 5G is yet to be set.
Intel is betting on 5G network technology to open new business avenues. It is also hoping the migration to 5G will assist it in catching up to other mobile chipmakers who have previously dominated the 4G and 3G technologies.
AT&T rose 0.03% to close the day at $38.63 per share on Monday.
Intel closed the day at $34.39 per share after edging up 0.67% on Monday. Ericsson went up 2.71% on Monday closing the day at $5.30 per share.