5G is getting closer

Mobile networking technology is inching ever closer to next-gen speeds. On November 18, Ericsson and Qualcomm completed the world's first inter-company interoperability testing of LTE Category 9 connectivity, with download speeds of up to 450 Mbps.  This is probably in the ballpark what ZTE calls pre-4G and what Huawei refers to as 4.5G, a mid-point step on the LTE-Advanced roadmap.

Although most estimates say 5G won't be deployed until 2020, MegaFon says it will have a live 5G network in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The operator is working with Huawei to have the world's first 5G network. To ensure testing of a full-scale 100% 5G experience, Huawei will be introducing the latest mobile technologies such as SCMA, full duplex, and cloud base station to the 5G network, as well as providing testing 5G terminals in trial zones. Huawei is working hard to position itself as a leader in 5G - it also just announced a 5G innovation partnership with SingTel.

CSPs zoom ahead with connected car

If the latest news is any indication, communications service providers (CSPs) seem to be upping their plays in the connected car arena. One growing trend seems to be toward plug-and-play solutions versus installed in-car devices. In the past month, AT&T and VOXX teamed up on an in-car M2M device powered that provides connectivity for nine devices, Telefonica and Geotab connected on a plug-and-play telematics solution, and EE unveiled the Buzzard 2, a self-contained device that plugs into a vehicle's 12V port and makes any car connected with 4G. There will undoubtedly be more announcements at CES in January and at Mobile World Congress in March. Stay tuned to the Pipeline News Center to watch this trend pick up speed.