In recent weeks several major developments affecting the roll out of 5G systems in the United States highlight the promise and the difficulties for near-term deployment of this transformative technology. Finally, Apple settled its disputes with the leading 5G technology innovator, Qualcomm, which was necessary if Apple is going to succeed in offering competitive 5G-capable mobile devices by 2020. Large wireless providers like AT&T and Verizon are already saddled by large debt burdens. The April Apple-Qualcomm settlement is strong confirmation of the importance of the latter’s fundamental core 5G technology. Buy-in would have to come from the major wireless providers and new thinking from the FCC, Congress and the White House.

Source: Forbes April 30, 2019 20:15 UTC