Singtel signs MOU with Ericsson to test 5G technology

SINGAPORE - Singtel signed a memorandum of understanding with Ericsson to study the future of 5G networks and its applications for both consumers and enterprises on Tuesday.

The partnership will include workshops to align 5G requirements, exchange ideas and trails on potential technologies.

The telco also reinforced its commitment to bringing transformative 5G services to its customers and supporting Singapore's vision of becoming a Smart Nation on Tuesday.

It is championing the finalisation of a 5G white paper at the Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) Forum that is currently being held in Singapore.

The 5G White Paper serves as a backbone for the mobile communications industry worldwide as it develops 5G technology. The paper sets the guidance of possible uses for 5G as well as performance requirements, network architecture, technology, spectrum and intellectual property rights. It will be presented at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona in March 2015.

The NGMN Alliance is an industry organisation comprising 24 leading operators from around the world. NGMN proposes and develops requirements for new technologies such as LTE-Advanced, 5G, and ensures that the standards for next generation network infrastructure, service platforms and devices meet the requirements of both operators and end users.

Singtel's Group Chief Technology Officer Mr Tay Soo Meng said: "In Singapore, 5G technology development will enable the Smart Nation vision in the next five to 10 years, by providing a superb wireless connectivity layer with huge capacity and solid reliability for human-to-human and machine-to-machine communications.

"Singtel is working towards being one of the first in the world to roll out 5G in the year 2020."

5G is touted as the next generation mobile network technology standard. Mr Tay said: "It will deliver key improvements such as near-zero delay for real-time applications for remotely operated machines, super high data throughput speeds of more than 1Gbps, and enable multiple connected intelligent devices.

Earlier in November, Singtel announced plans to launch a 5G Joint Innovation Programme with Huawei. The initiative will serve as a research platform for 5G mobile broadband technologies.

cynloh@sph.com.sg