5G License Given To Apple To Test Out Wireless Technology On Millimeter Wave Spectrums

Apple submitted an application to the FCC in May seeking a 5G license in order to experiment with its capabilities and possibly make upcoming products compliant with this mobile communications standard.

Apple will join OTTs like Google and Facebook as well as major U.S carriers like AT&T, Verizon and others in testing out 28 and 39 GHz bands which are capable of providing 10 Gb/s throughput as well as higher bandwidth.

The transmission will originate from Apple's HQ at Cupertino and nearby Milpitas according to its FCC application:

Apple Inc. seeks to assess cellular link performance in direct path and multipath environments between base station transmitters and receivers using this spectrum. These assessments will provide engineering data relevant to the operation of devices on wireless carriers’ future 5G networks.

The 28 GHz band can also be used for Earth to space communications and given Apple's recent hires of candidates with expertise in this area.