As of 2018, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system) became mainstream in Botswana’s mobile network. The 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), which is the next generation communication method, is expected to be commercialized in 2020.
It is reported that an iPhone which is compatible with 5G will appear in 2020 the same timing as the service is rolled out.
It is not clear whether Botswana’s three major carriers (Mascom, Orange and BeMobile) will also start service in the 2020s. The aim of 5G is a communication system aiming at a communication speed of 10 Gbps or more, a low delay of 1ms end to end, and reliability of 99.99%. Many hardware makers are already preparing for 5G as Qualcomm has announced a 5G compatible modem.
Apple has already received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to test the 5G Internet connection on the iPhone in 2017.
According to the information Fast Company received from a person familiar with Apple’s 5G program, some technical problems remain, mainly concerning heat release problems. US mobile carriers such as Verizon and AT & T use frequencies of 30 to 300 GHz for testing 5G connections. However, since this signal puts a heavy load on the modem chip, the source says, “There is more heat accumulated inside the terminal than usual.”
Apple seems to be talking about supplying 5G modem chips with MediaTek in case the Intel modem chip does not work well. However, it seems that Intel chips are for now the only modem supply maker for Apple unless there is a problem.
It is said that 8016 modem chip made by Intel is used for communication test on prototype 5G compatible iPhone that Apple already has. The 8161 modem that is expected to be installed in the product version is expected to be manufactured by Intel’s 10 nm process.
