Armed with the specs, suppliers and hardware manufacturers will be able to bring real (not faux) 5G to consumers. The completed specs will encompass support for low-frequency (600MHz, 700MHz), mid-range (3.5GHz) and high-frequency (50GHz) spectrum. We should have a better grasp on the precise details for 5G once they're published later this week.

Getting these standards finalized before the end of the year was the mission of carriers, such as AT&T. Facilitating the approval, means that chip-makers can start developing the silicon-based parts that will work with 5G networks. Next up, the 3GPP members will try to pin down the specs for what will eventually be the replacement for 4G LTE: Standalone 5G.