Monday, February 22, 2016

#MWC16: Four Top Operators Push for 5G Open Trial Specs

A new 5G Open Trial Specification Alliance has been formed by KT, NTT DOCOMO, SK Telecom and Verizon to develop an aligned 5G trial specification that would serve as a common, extendable platform for different 5G trial activity around the world. The work will be focused on technical fundamentals and promoting a more inclusive, open, and collaborative approach to the development of 5G trial networks.


Specifically, 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. Coordination is already underway, with technical trials occurring in the 2016-2018 timeframe. The development of the trial specification will allow a variety of different industry partners (network vendors, chipset/device vendors, operators, test equipment vendors, etc.) to join and contribute.

Some key points:

  • The trial specification will be neutral and is not intended to limit on-going standardization discussions and decisions that will be happening in 3GPP. 
  • The trial specification will cover multiple spectrum bands, including bands above and below 6 GHz.
  • Key suppliers to these operators have committed to this initiative
  • Other key industry participants are expected to join the alliance in the future. 


https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/info/media_center/pr/2016/0222_02.html