Nokia and China Mobile Research Institute (CMRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covering the research and development of 5G.
The agreement will see the two companies working with parties including 3GPP and ITU on 5G standardisation, as well as developing guidelines for network requirements and conducting field trials of 5G technologies.
This includes prototyping and verifying “key 5G features”, such as massive MIMO technology and “multi-connectivity solutions”, in addition to demoing 5G applications.
Nokia and CMRI will also use the MoU to promote the role of TD-LTE evolution in the roadmap to 5G and explore options for 5G spectrum harmonisation.
The MoU makes Nokia the first non-Chinese vendor to sign a 5G-related agreement with China Mobile’s research arm.
Finland-based Nokia is also the largest equipment supplier for the operator’s 4G network rollout outside of China.
The US $1bn deal sees Nokia supplying a range of TD-LTE equipment for China Mobile’s growing LTE-A network.
Huang Yuhong, Vice President of China Mobile Research Institute, said: “5G will have a far-reaching impact on the telecommunications industry as well as various other industries, societies, families and individuals.
“The 5G MoU with Nokia Networks builds a solid foundation for both parties to cooperate on the next generation of mobile communications technology and the global standardisation of 5G, while at the same time exploring new market opportunities via 5G.”
The MoU is the second Nokia has signed in as many months.
In October, the company entered an agreement with UAE-based du to explore the potential of mmWave technology for new, “ultra broadband” applications.