Ericsson will work with China Unicom on developing 5G, cloud and the Internet of Things, in its latest memorandum of understanding to explore next generation tech.
The MoU brings the number of 5G projects the Swedish vendor is working on to over 20. Under the terms of the agreement, both telcos will work on developing next generation architecture focusing on fixed/mobile convergence, work on the standardisation of 5G, as well as research key technologies and conduct tests.
The companies will also concentrate on network functions virtualisation and 5G network slicing. They will promote SDN projects in standardisation groups and also verify SDN solutions.
Another part of the agreement will focus on cellular IoT solution and services.
Chris Houghton, Head of Region North East Asia, Ericsson, said: “With Ericsson’s industry leading technology, portfolio and global experience, China Unicom will be more competitive in networks and get ready to embrace the opportunities of network transformation.”
Ericsson has arguably been the most active player in preparing the path towards 5G with a range of tests, trials and proofs of concepts around the world.
Its CTO has been critical of Europe’s approach to developing and standardising the technology. In a press conference at Mobile World Congress earlier this year, he said the market was lacking in aggression in pushing towards 5G.
Rivals in Asia and North America have already been preparing live trials, with the first networks expected to coincide with the 2018 Winter Olympics.