From MediaTek: "MediaTek Joins '5G Device Forerunner Initiative' And Will Debut Its First 5G Baseband Chipset Helio M70"
June 28, 2018 – Shanghai, China – MediaTek and China Mobile today signed the “5G Device Forerunner Initiative” memorandum at the 2018 MWC SH Global End Device Summit organized by China Mobile to jointly develop 5G terminal devices and advance the maturity of 5G chipsets and terminals. The initiative was kick-started by China Mobile to promote the maturity and development of the industry for 5G terminal devices, targeting the 5G test pilot in 2018, pre-commercial deployment in 2019, and commercial rollout in 2020.
As one of the first chip makers participating in the “5G Device Forerunner Initiative,” MediaTek announced its first 5G baseband chipset, Helio M70, will be ready in 2019. The Helio M70 is designed in compliance with the 3GPP Rel-15 5G new radio (NR) standard interface and includes support for standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) network architectures. It also supports sub-6GHz frequency bands, high power user equipment (HPUE), and other key 5G technologies. Beyond Sub-6GHz, MediaTek’s 5G solution will also support mmWave frequency to meet the requirements from different operators.
“The phase one standardization of 5G features were just recently finalized in time for the industry to move into the commercialization phase,” said Chuang Cheng-Te, Corporate Sr. Vice President at MediaTek. “The ‘5G Device Forerunner Initiative’ led by China Mobile is a key milestone for the development of 5G technology from top-to-bottom, and MediaTek is proud to be an important member of this initiative.” Chuang also stated, “MediaTek is committed to promoting the adoption of the latest technologies. With the commercialization of the first 5G baseband chipset, Helio M70, consumers will be able to enjoy the exciting 5G experience at a more reasonable price point.”
MediaTek has been an active member of 5G technology development, participating in the standardization of the full 5G feature set, and collaborating with equipment makers in conducting 5G network tests. To date, MediaTek has already achieved the industry-leading 5Gbps data rate over the sub-6GHz frequency band, which is significant for the realization of China’s roadmap in 5G technology.
According to “5G Device Forerunner Initiative,” 5G solutions from the member companies will be adapted to a variety of end devices, such as smartphone, AR/VR, drone, tablets and more. MediaTek’s rich and diverse product lineup, encompassing smartphones, wireless connectivity, and home entertainment etc., will help bring 5G to the masses as a ubiquitous solution of the future.