Alliance set to focus on 5G trial specification
BARCELONA, Spain – Korean operators KT and SK Telecom, Japanese telco NTT DoCoMo and U.S. mobile carrier Verizon Wireless formed the 5G Open Trial Specification Alliance targeted at developing an aligned “5G” trial specification designed to serve as a common platform for 5G trial activity.
“The 5G Open Trial Specification Alliance will focus on 5G radio interface trial activities and aims to provide the wireless industry with the ability to test and validate key technical components,” NTT DoCoMo noted in a statement. “Coordination is already underway, with technical trials occurring in the 2016-2018 timeframe.”
The development of the trial specification is said to allow different industry partners including network vendors, chipset and device vendors, operators as well as test equipment vendors to join and contribute.
The member companies highlighted that the trial specification will be neutral and not intended to limit on-going standardization discussions and decisions set to come out of 3GPP. The trial specification are expected to cover multiple spectrum bands, including bands above and below 6 GHz.
“The interest for 5G is very high, and many players are engaging in activities to support the early commercialization and deployment of this next generation technology,” NTT DoCoMo added. “The 5G Open Trial Specification Alliance is positive that this initiative will provide a platform to maximize the value of different trial activities around the world, and will provide valuable input from these trials to 3GPP.”
SK Telecom, Deutsche Telekom sign cooperation deal
In related news, SK Telecom and Deutsche Telekom signed a strategic business partnership to collaborate on services, “Internet of Things,” and related research and development areas. As part of the agreement, SK Telecom and DT will also make joint efforts to expand markets for their solutions and services.
The two companies plan to cooperate in the global sales of solutions and products and work together to lead standardization of technologies, including 5G.
