Through this agreement, both entities will carry out collaborative research activities regarding future 6G technologies
The Institute of Wireless Internet of Things (WIOT) at Northeastern University and the Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium (B5PC) of Japan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the global efforts toward the implementation of “beyond 5G” and future 6G technologies.
Northeastern University will be the first North American academic partner joining the B5PC’s international committee. The MoU is expected to foster the following areas of cooperation: Exchange of information and publications, sharing 6G vision and collaborative research and development projects.
“The MoU will also help build a strong partnership with other U.S. and Japan organizations to develop standard compliant B5G features and define a shared 6G vision. Both entities will continue to explore further collaboration opportunities with other countries and organizations,” B5PC said.
In May, Japan’s Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium (B5GPC) and ATIS’ Next G Alliance have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on 6G wireless networks. Launched by the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), the Next G Alliance is an initiative to advance North American wireless technology leadership over the next decade, through private-sector-led efforts with the initial focus on as-yet-unstandardized 6G systems.
The Japanese consortium had previously signed a similar 6G cooperation agreement with Europe’s 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association.
In September, the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) of Japan and the University of Oulu in Finland agreed on collaboration in the ICT field, particularly with respect to “beyond 5G” and 6G technologies.
Earlier this month, the government of Japan announced that it is setting up a fund to foster research activities into future 6G communications systems, according to Nikkei Asia.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will earmark JPY 66.2 billion ($450 million) in the second supplementary budget for fiscal 2023 for the initial establishment of this special fund, according to the report.
The 6G fund will be administered by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology. It will aim to provide financial support for 6G research and development for a number of years.
Japanese companies NTT Docomo, NTT, NEC, Fujitsu and Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia had previously announced plans to conduct experimental trials of new mobile communications technologies for the targeted commercial launch of as-yet-unstandardized 6G services by around 2030. Docomo and NTT said they will begin conducting indoor trials within the fiscal year ending in March 2023, while outdoor trials will begin in the following fiscal year.
