A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed by Nokia and Telefónica Germany leading to the creation of a joint 5G Innovation Cluster.
In the common 5G Innovation Cluster, Nokia will implement some of its leading technologies such as Massive MIMO for high-throughput, multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) for Ultra-Reliable Low latency Communications (URLLC).
Both the companies are in unison about piloting network solutions and technologies on the path to 5G in the Telefónica lab in Munich. Trails in Telefónica’s live network will follow this to give optimum user experience to customers. The country’s capital Berlin is presently in top priority to carry out these trials with the aim of building a benchmark network with 4.5G, 4.9G and 5G technology. As part of the agreement, Nokia has agreed to implement its full emphasis on trials that makes the full use of existing network assets and help Telefónica to cater to the changing demand and explore new business opportunities.
Cayetano Carbajo, CTO of Telefónica Germany said: “Our innovation collaboration in Germany follows a global agreement with Nokia to explore technologies on the path to 5G. Having access to Nokia’s latest portfolio will enable pre-testing and understanding new technologies thus helping us to further enhance the user experience in our network.”
Elsewhere, mobile technology R&D firm InterDigital has successfully accomplished the trial of its millimeter wave (mmW) EdgeLink 60GHz solution and Fast-Forward 70GHz solution. Alan Carlton, VP of InterDigital Europe, said that this successful trial is paving the way for more trails, including 5G-Crosshaul alongside 5G New Radio and 5G Core Network, slated for 2018 and 2019 that will lead to the deployment of 5G networks in commercial levels.
