The Small Cell Forum is to work with the 4G Americas trade body to explore how the technology can fit within LTE and forthcoming 5G networks.
The organisations will work on joint publications, conduct meetings and workshops, and hold industry outreach programs.
Another area of focus will be developing 5G technology and standards. They said that by sharing information between them, they could reduce duplication and potentially speed up the deployment of 5G networks and services.
Sue Monahan, CEO of the Small Cell Forum, said: “The challenges of providing a multi-gigabyte mobile broadband and HetNet future demands an industry contribution that can bring together the best the industry can offer for the benefit of operators, vendors and end users. This agreement with 4G Americas is a major step forward in ensuring a quicker – clearer path to 5G deployment.”
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Chris Pearson, President of 4G Americas, added: “North America has become the global leader in LTE and a goal of our association is to see this leadership continue by fostering the complete development of its evolution to 5G. We look forward to collaborating with the Small Cell Forum and their critical focus on HetNets, an important element of future 5G networks. Working together we can represent our members’ interests and contribute to a global 5G future.”
Among the recent trials of how small cells will fit in 5G networks has been Ericsson working with SK Telecom on how they could minimise interference between cells.
Earlier this year, the Small Cell Forum released guidance about how small cells can work within virtualised networks.