The biggest mobile tech news on Twitter this week as the buzz that 5G New Radio is officially here, with the non-standalone specification being ratified by 3GPP this week in Lisbon, Portugal.
https://twitter.com/SylviaLuUk/status/943785590092451841
It was no surprise — the technical work was complete back in late November, giving companies like Qualcomm and Ericsson time to set up an interoperability test that would coincide with the official ratification. But nonetheless, vendors and operators are happy to end 2017 and ring in the New Year with a new standard to implement.
Really big week for 5G. The issuance of the 1st 3GPP 5G NR spec is a huge 1st step, a gigantic 1st step, a huge 1st step. Pick your metaphor. It is much more than a baby step. https://t.co/fAzYkriwPI
— Dean Brenner (@deanrbrenner) December 18, 2017
Hurrah! First #5G radio standard is here!! https://t.co/dYMSmmxDlW pic.twitter.com/oxcQOU4t5W
— Ericsson (@ericsson) December 21, 2017
Excited that @Sprint 2.5GHz band is part of the newly announced #5G NR specs. We’re that much closer to bringing mobile #5G to our customers with this new milestone. @SprintCTO https://t.co/St7uPJvX5G pic.twitter.com/0E86qRudWF
— Marcelo Claure (@marceloclaure) December 21, 2017
First #5G New Radio standard specifications are approved – an important step towards making 5G a reality for our customers. Did you know that Europe's first 5G antennas are transmitting live via pre-standard 5G NR in Deutsche #Telekom's network in Berlin? https://t.co/crMK8ztdlF pic.twitter.com/1SYPXjTews
— DeutscheTelekomGroup (@Telekom_group) December 21, 2017
Telecoms industry welcomes the first implementable 5G new radio specification from 3GPP. Luke Ibbetson, Vodafone Group's Head of R&D calls it a "significant milestone.” Read more here: https://t.co/5nSWEZ1mJ6 #TheFutureIsExciting pic.twitter.com/s6uiCBESEQ
— Vodafone Group (@VodafoneGroup) December 21, 2017
On to full-scale development. I’m not sure how testing can pick up any more momentum, as it seems like there are multiple announcements every week as it is.
We have updated the European #5G trials that have been publicly announced. Have a look at the impressive list on https://t.co/tG82NhWvIr #5GIA @EUSciComm @DSMeu @5GAA_news @GSMA @EU_Growth @5g_innovation @mobileworldlive @industry40io @EEN_EU @DIGITALEUROPE '@EEF_Insights pic.twitter.com/o7bNs3UPHO
— 5G-PPP (@5GPPP) December 20, 2017
PRESS RELEASE: We've just achieved a multi-band #5G NR interoperability demo with @qualcomm_tech – compliant with 3GPP standards! @att @ericsson @docomo @orange @sktelecom @sprint @telstra @tmobile @verizon @vodafone https://t.co/A6YYeCftTe pic.twitter.com/B0yHNvPYdZ
— Ericsson Networks (@EricssonNetwork) December 21, 2017
In case you want a closer look at the spec, Qualcomm’s Sherif Hanna tells you how:
https://twitter.com/sherifhanna/status/943619958201651200
Speaking of 5G, T-Mobile US’ Neville Ray is taking over as chair of 5G Americas:
Excited to chair @5GAmericas – this org plays a critical role in defining the future of 5G across the Americas. It’s a privilege to drive wireless technology forward together! https://t.co/Kd3KBBLEty
— Neville (@NevilleRay) December 19, 2017
Not that he’s giving up swipes at, say, AT&T’s “5G Evolution”:
Not everything made it in the full-length though – like what I REALLY think about things like @ATT 5G Evolution. Couple more fun clips to come. pic.twitter.com/bf7Jgsw1DW
— Neville (@NevilleRay) December 21, 2017
Taking a step away from 5G to think about old devices: no, it’s not your imagination that your old iPhone is slower than it used to be. Apple got hit with a class action lawsuit this week for what critics are calling evidence of planned obscolescence and/or deliberating slowing down older devices to nudge customers to buy new ones.
Apple was hit with a class action lawsuit Thursday after admitting it intentionally makes older iPhones work slower to save battery life. Some customers say it's an "iScheme," @AnnaWerner reports. pic.twitter.com/aYgfD4oUKV
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 21, 2017
Apple, however, calls it a power management technique to avoid older batteries overloading and shutting down completely.
Apple's recent statement on iPhones has sown suspicions about planned obsolescence. Here's a closer look. https://t.co/PBl9FCjTc5
— The New York Times (@nytimes) December 21, 2017
Apple confirmed the ongoing conspiracy that they slow down older phones — here's the science behind your battery pic.twitter.com/QfMm8pFnxS
— Tech Insider (@TechInsider) December 22, 2017
And for a holiday Friday laugh, check out T-Mobile US’s retelling of on the classic Claymation Rudolph Christmas cartoon, including the “abominable carriers” who “only cared about silver and gold.”
“What bullshit!” digi-Claymation John Legere says, while on his way to the Island of Misfit CEOs, going on to add: “They used to laugh and call me names for not wearing a tie.”
Happy Holidays!! ‘Tis the season to remember the classic tale of how the #Uncarrier cut through the blizzard of BS to save wireless from the Abominable Carriers. 🎄 pic.twitter.com/cmhwhOLOMt
— John Legere (@JohnLegere) December 19, 2017
