The "gigabit LTE" is the future of download speeds. Days ahead of the 2017 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, both Qualcomm and Intel unveiled each of their LTE modems, promising support for faster network speeds.

Both devices will have theoretical download speeds of a whopping 1 Gbps, or "gigabit LTE." Let's meet Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X20 modem and Intel's new XMM 7560 modem.

Qualcomm Snapdragon X20 modem. The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X20 is the 7th product to support LTE networks and the first-announced supporting Category 18 download speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps. This is built on the leading-edge 10nm FinFET process that supports more combinations of LTE carriers plus a higher number of LTE spatial streams. Although the download speeds are more than impressive, the upload speeds of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X20 are pretty solid at around 150 Mbps.

Intel XMM 7560 modem. Intel is bringing up the heat and trying to keep up with competition as it finally unveils its latest XMM 7560 modem. This is the 5th product to support LTE and the first to be manufactured based on 14nm process. It supports LTE Advanced Pro that can handle Category 16 download speeds "exceeding" 1 Gbps and Category 13 upload speeds of up to 225 Mbps.

During the CES, Intel debuted the 5G modem and as an addition to their "gigabit LTE" modem, they are also announcing their 3rd-generation 5G trial platform. It will allow carrier and other companies to test out an end-to-end 5G network with speeds of up to 10Gbps. This new platform could be available in the second half of 2017 and will be compatible with 3GPP NR specs by the 4th quarter, according to Engadget.

Fortune reports that Intel's new XMM 7560 modem will not be in production until the second half of 2017 for phone manufacturers. Meanwhile, Qualcomm noted that Snapdragon X20 modem are expected to be available by the first half of 2018.

While it is more than exciting that both companies, despite being rivals, are finding ways to make 5G a reality, but it would some time before we see any devices housing either of Qualcomm's or Intel's "gigabit LTE" modem. But at least we have something to look forward to.

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