Intel announced today that they're partnering with MediaTek on the development, certification and support of 5G modem solutions for the next generation of PC experiences starting with HP and Dell. Whether Apple will decide to work with Intel on the MediaTek 5G modem-project for future MacBooks Pros or work with Qualcomm for a Q4 2020 MacBook Pro solution with the X55-modem is unknown at this time.

Intel's announcement noted that as part of the partnership, Intel will define a 5G solution specification, including a 5G modem to be developed and delivered by MediaTek. Intel will also provide optimization and validation across the platform and lend system integration and co-engineering support to further enable its OEM partners.

Gregory Bryant, Intel executive vice president and general manager of the Client Computing Group: "5G is poised to unleash a new level of computing and connectivity that will transform the way we interact with the world. This partnership with MediaTek brings together industry leaders with deep engineering, system integration and connectivity expertise to deliver 5G experiences on the next generation of the world’s best PCs."

The first products are targeting availability in early 2021. Dell and HP are expected to be among the first OEMs to deliver laptops enabled with Intel and MediaTek’s 5G solution.

MediaTek President Joe Chen: "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, but we also expect them to innovate with 5G in ways we have not yet imagined."

MediaTek’s new 5G modem for PCs is based in part on its Helio M70 5G modem it introduced earlier this year as part of its integrated 5G system-on-chip for the first wave of 5G flagship smartphones.

This partnership with Intel continues MediaTek’s leadership role in driving the rollout of 5G to the mass market across mobile, home and auto market places. MediaTek has been active in the development of 5G technology, participating in the standardization of the full 5G feature set, and collaborating with industry leaders to establish a 5G industry ecosystem.

Intel says that 5G will be the most significant network transformation in history. It represents the convergence of computing and communications, and it will open the door for new PC experiences and the way we connect with the world around us.

As a first step in the partnership, Intel will define a 5G solution specification focused on deployment in key laptop segments, and MediaTek will be responsible for the development and manufacturing of the 5G modem. Intel will also develop and validate platform-level hardware and software integration, including OS host drivers.

The two companies are also working with Fibocom on the development of M.2 modules optimized for integration with Intel client platforms. As the first module vendor for this solution, Fibocom will provide operator certification and regulatory support, as well as lead 5G M.2 module manufacturing, sales and distribution.