Mobile connectivity using fifth-generation (5G) networking technology should be able to reach speeds of up to 800 Gbps, claims Rahim Tafazolli, a professor and head of the U.K's 5G Innovation Center (5GIC) at the University of Surrey.

Mobile connectivity reaching 800 Gbps means internet users will be able to download hundreds of high-definition movies in just minutes.

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"The network will need to cope with a vast increase in demand for communication," said Sara Mazur, who's leading Ericsson's research to the BBC.

"Only once these frequencies are set and established can product development begin. It will have the reliability that you currently get over fiber connections."

The university's 5G Innovation Center is a research and development facility that aims to test 5G mobile technologies.

The university had partnered with major international companies such as Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Aeroflex, AIRCOM International, BBC, BT, EE, Fujitsu Laboratories of Europe, Rohde & Schwarz, Samsung, Telefonica, and Vodafone.

"This world-leading test bed will be used to develop proof of concepts, validate standards and test vendor interoperability." said Tafazolli.

"It will be progressively upgraded as 5G technology emerges, to allow the next wave of applications and services to be explored."

Chinese telecom giant Huawei last month announced plans to invest US$8 million in the university to expand research in 5G networks.

"Our work with the 5GIC at the University of Surrey will enable us to test cutting-edge, fifth-generation mobile technologies in an open and collaborative environment, and help to turn the vision of 5G into a reality," said Tong Wen, Huawei's CTO of Wireless Networks.

Tags5GIC, 5G Innovation Center, University of Surrey, UK, 5G Networks, 800Gbps, Mobile Connectivity, Speeds, Huawei