By Patrick Villalobos, Contributor

MEDIATEK Inc. has tied up with Intel to deliver 5G experiences to next-generation personal computers (PCs) with the successful development and certification of its 5G modem data card.

MediaTek’s T700 5G modem, which will be used to bring 5G connectivity to Intel-powered PCs, completed 5G standalone (SA) calls in real world test scenarios. 

 Intel has advanced on system integration, validation and developing channel optimizations for a superior user experience and is bracing co-engineering support for its original equipment manufacturer partners. 

“Our partnership with Intel is a natural extension of our growing 5G mobile business, and is an incredible market opportunity for MediaTek to move into the PC market,” said Joe Chen, president of MediaTek. 

“With Intel’s deep expertise in the PC space and our groundbreaking 5G modem technology, we will redefine the laptop experience and bring consumers the best 5G experiences,” he added.

For Chris Walker, Intel corporate vice president and general manager of mobile client platforms, a successful alliance is gauged by execution.

“And we’re excited to see the rapid progress we are making with MediaTek on our 5G modem solution with customer sampling starting later this quarter,” he said. 

Leveraging on their 4G/LTE leadership in PCs, he noted that 5G is poised to further change the way they connect, compute and communicate.  

“Intel is committed to enhancing those capabilities on the world’s best PCs,” said Walker.

The MediaTek T700 modem supports non-SA and SA Sub-6 5G network architectures to bring constantly faster speeds and more dependable connectivity.

Even if consumers are at home or on the go, they can browse, stream and game at ultra-fast 5G speeds. 

The global fabless semiconductor company’s modem is, likewise, highly power efficient to prolong the battery life of laptops so consumers can go longer in between charges. 

The firm is rolling out its advanced 5G technology across the PC, mobile, home, auto and Internet of Things segments to make super-fast connectivity accessible to everyone.

The first laptops enabled by the MediaTek and Intel 5G modem solution will be released in early 2021.