Fibre optic internet speeds are coming to smartphones in 2016

Smartphones in 2016 will be capable of fibre optic internet speeds

Modems aren't exactly the sexiest aspect of technology, but getting fibre optic internet speeds on your mobile phone is pretty darn cool - and that's exactly what Qualcomm's X16 LTE Modem claims it can do.

Qualcomm says the X16 is able to offer download speeds up to 1Gbps, which is incredibly quick. In fact, at that speed you could download a full HD movie in less than 30 seconds.

It would also greatly improve streaming on your mobile device, making your Netflix and Amazon Instant Video binges on the go smoother and buffer-free.

Speed limit

These are theoretical speeds though, and the likelihood is you wouldn't top out during normal usage. The modem is just one component as well, but smartphones packing the Z16 LTE are due to arrive during the second half of 2016.

There's also the issue surrounding network providers, as most carriers around the world are unable to offer up such speeds on their current setups. While Qualcomm may have the technology ready to go in 2016, it could well be a few years before we can really harness the power of the X16.

In the meantime, we'll just sit here waiting for our apps to download at a much slower rate.

John McCann
Global Managing Editor

John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.