Ericsson has broadened its 5G research after signing a memorandum of understanding with South Korean operator LG Uplus.
The research project will focus on IoT infrastructure and narrowband LTE, software defined networking and network functions virtualisation, core network technologies, and global content delivery networks.
The partnership will run until at least 2020, when 5G is widely expected to be commercially launched in earnest, and will be based in Seoul, South Korea.
Both companies will produce a roadmap for future 5G technology development and will embark on research, testing and result sharing.
Ulf Ewaldsson, Chief Technology Officer, Ericsson, said: “By enabling essentially unlimited access to information anywhere and anytime, 5G can deliver enormous benefits to people, business and society. Realizing this transformative vision requires a strong industry ecosystem, and we are delighted to partner with LG Uplus to lead the development of both 5G and IoT platforms.”
Kim Suntae, Chief Technology Officer of LG Uplus, said: “We will prepare for the 5G era based on a combination of our network management know-how and Ericsson’s strong technological power. The two companies will lead network evolution by introducing advanced network technologies to domestic and overseas markets through close collaboration.”
The partnership is the latest in an array of 5G research projects. Last week, Ericsson revealed it was broadening its 5G work into a pan-European venture. The vendor is working with operators and academics across the UK, Germany and Sweden.
Ericsson is one of the vendor members of a Verizon-led project, which aims to launch 5G “sandboxes” in the coming months.