MediaTek’s New Modem Will Bring 5G To Affordable Devices

You won’t find a MediaTek processor in flagship smartphones from the likes of Samsung and LG but you will find that many affordable devices run on MediaTek’s processors and modems. The company unveiled the Helio M70 modem at Computex 2018 this week. It’s MediaTek’s first 5G modem which will bring affordable devices into the 5G net.

MediaTek’s President Joe Chen confirmed at Computex 2018 that MediaTek’s first 5G modem, the Helio M70, is going to be available in 2019. Developed in collaboration with companies like Nokia, Huawei, and NTT Docomo, the modem promises speeds of up to 5Gbps.

Unfortunately, MediaTek didn’t share the technical specifications of its new modem at the event so it’s keeping its cards close to the chest for now. They should be available later this year when more information about the devices that will use this modem starts surfacing.

Many carriers across the globe are expected to flip the switch on their commercial 5G networks this year. Most flagship smartphones are already expected to feature 5G modems next year so MediaTek’s new chip will also help ensure that mid-range devices can get in on the 5G action as well in 2019.

MediaTek is also planning to launch a SoC with the 5G modem integrated but it hasn’t said right now whether that modem will be the Helio M70 and when it might go through with that plan.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: 5G, computex, Computex 2018, MediaTek