At Mobile World Congress 2018, Qualcomm introduced the world’s first announced Category 20 LTE modem capable of download speeds up to 2 gigabits per second (Gbps) — the Qualcomm Snapdragon X24.
Qualcomm has begun sampling the Snapdragon X24 through its technologies division. This eighth-generation LTE multimode modem and third-generation Gigabit LTE solution is the company’s first modem manufactured on a 7-nanometer FinFET process.
The Snapdragon X24 integrates the most advanced cellular features commercially available in 4G LTE today, and it strengthens the LTE foundation for future 5G NR multimode devices and networks.
Serge Willenegger, SVP and GM of 4G/5G and Industrial IoT at Qualcomm Wireless, said: “As the world’s first announced Gigabit LTE modem to reach speeds of up to 2 Gbps, the Snapdragon X24 sets a major industry milestone. It is designed to deliver enhanced mobile broadband and to provide an essential gigabit coverage layer for commercial 5G networks and devices expected to begin shipping in 2019.”
“Building on expanded 4×4 MIMO and Licensed Assisted Access (LAA) support, the Snapdragon X24 combines a powerful suite of the most advanced 4G LTE technologies available. This helps mobile operators fully utilize their spectrum assets and maximize Gigabit LTE network capacity, while allowing device manufacturers to offer consumers an early, practical glimpse of the 5G experience,” Willenegger added.
At MWC, attendees were able to view a live demonstration showcasing the Snapdragon X24’s 2 Gbps speeds. Qualcomm expected the first commercial devices powered by the X24 to appear by the end of 2018.
In other announcements, Qualcomm Technologies introduced Qualcomm Wireless Edge Services — a set of software services aimed at enterprise and industrial IoT customers. These services help connect and manage large fleets of intelligent wireless devices across long life cycles via cloud platforms.
Initially, Wireless Edge Services will be supported on select Qualcomm Technologies chipsets, including the MDM9206, MDM9628 and QCA4020, with plans to extend support to select Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms in the future.