A new coalition of telcos, enterprises and academic institutions will explore applications for 5G in vertical industries.
The two-year Wireless for Verticals (WIVE), led by Nokia’s Bell Labs research arm, will undertake pilots to serve the needs of specific verticals and test services in a real-world environment.
It will focus on media and entertainment, as well as machine-to-machine communications enabled by Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications and Massive Machine Type Connectivity.
The project will also focus on identifying business opportunities for the technology based on current user behaviour, and investigate and promote flexible spectrum policies and spectrum management schemes.
Funded by the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation via its 5G research initiative 5GTNF, the partnership also includes operator Telia, Finnish regulator FIDORA and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.
It also includes vertical industry partners such as automation company ABB, cargo-handling company Cargotec Kalmar and Yle, Teleste and Digita from the media industry.
Mikko Uusitalo, head of wireless advanced technologies research at Nokia, said: “Industry collaboration is essential in fostering innovation around 5G, and for enabling different industries to take full advantage of the faster connections that 5G promises.
“Nokia Bell Labs has a strong focus on ultra reliable, low latency communications targeting new wireless communication systems for verticals, and the WIVE project provides us with greater insight into the requirements and opportunities for experimentation to test our solutions.”
Janne Koistinen, Director of Telia 5G in Finland, said: “Deep understanding of the needs of different verticals and the variety of 5G user contexts is in the core of our business.
“We are looking at evolving media consumption patterns and developing revolutionary spectator experiences, for example at Telia 5G Arena in Helsinki and as part of our agreement for Finnish Ice Hockey League media rights.
“Machine-type connectivity and ultra-reliable communications are just as crucial for building smarter traffic, manufacturing solutions and other digitalisation initiatives, which are topical for our B2B customers.”