Global GSM networks may not yet have access to 4G LTE networks due to some early compatibility issues, but it’s safe to say the access is coming. In the meantime, the rest of the wireless tech world continues to move forward; the European Union Commission has already set its sights on 5G.
The Commisson is investing another €50 million ($65.3 million) into research with the intention to make the break-neck-fast next generation cellular technology available by the year 2020.
“I want 5G to be pioneered by European industry, based on European research and creating jobs in Europe – and we will put our money where our mouth is,” European Commission VP Neelie Kroes said.
Out of all the funding, €16 million ($20.9 million) is going to METIS, an Ericsson-led alliance hoping to develop wireless with 10 to 100 times the capacity, a similar increase in speed as 4G with a fifth of the lag. Of course, it’s still too early for the actual name of the 5G technology to be known.
Europe looks to lead the launch of the new tech after North America pretty much led the launch of 4G LTE, and this new funding is the first in a likely series of pushes by the region to move forward with that dream. Of course, when we can use LTE with our global services, we’ll be looking forward to moving on to 5G soon enough.