Intel partners with MediaTek to make 5G chips for PCs

Today Intel has announced a partnership with MediaTek that will create 5G modem solutions for next generation PC platforms. The announcement comes 5 months after the announcement that Intel is selling off its own modem and division to Apple for $1B.

Intel will "define" what a 5G PC should look like, and then MediaTek will develop the cellular chip for those devices. Intel also will help make sure the 5G chip works properly and will help computer makers integrate the processor into their devices.

According to MediaTek, Dell and HP will be early customers for the combined Intel-MediaTek 5G solution, with laptops slated to hit the market in early 2021. Intel had previously suggested that 5G-capable PCs with its chips would be ready for the 2019 holiday season — Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft were all on board at that time — though it's highly likely that the transfer of its 5G assets had an impact on the prior timetable.

Speaking of the partnership, MediaTek's President Joe Chen was quoted as saying,

"Our 5G modem for PCs, developed in partnership with Intel, is integral to making 5G accessible and available across home and mobile platforms...5G will usher in the next era of PC experiences, and working with Intel, an industry leader in computing, highlights MediaTek's expertise in designing 5G technology for global markets. With this partnership, consumers will be able to browse, stream and game faster on their PCs, be we also expect them to innovate with 5G in ways we have not yet imagined." As mentioned earlier, the new 5G modem for PCs is based, in part, on MediaTek's Helio M70 5G modem.

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