Microsoft and Pegatron team up for 5G network initiatives

It's the latest 5G teamup from Microsoft.

What you need to know

• Pegatron is one of the biggest iPhone assemblers in the world.
• It's working with Microsoft on its 5G network plans.
• This isn't the first time Microsoft has helped another company work toward 5G ambitions.

Pegatron, not to be confused with the famous Megatron, is a major iPhone assembler, second only to Foxconn. When it makes its debut in the 5G network space after years of buildup, it will be doing so with the backing and assistance of Microsoft.

As reported by Nikkei Asia, Pegatron's been working on getting 5G operations up and running for almost three years. Now, with Microsoft's help, it's prepping for deployment. It has a specific plan and focus for its network: It wants mobile 5G base stations that will help with disaster and rescue situations. The idea is if something like an earthquake hits and standard telecom infrastructure goes offline, Pegatron's network will still be up and running so communication and coordination efforts can persist.

The base stations will be able to link up with low-orbit satellites in order to be immune to the aforementioned ground-level situations it's built to deal with. Pegatron is already testing its 5G capabilities via a pilot run and private, internal usage, priming it for a grander public showcase in the near future.

Microsoft's efforts with Pegatron won't be the first time it's dipped its toes into the 5G pool. In fact, it's done so before, such as with its AT&T partnership. That partnership is set to provide a sizeable boost to Azure revenues, among other things. These benefits are no small deal for Microsoft, given that Azure is the company's heart and focus. Remember that the guts of Windows (and, by extension, Windows 11) are from the Azure team.