Optus has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nokia to collaborate on the network evolution to 5G, which will enable a host of network capabilities such as massive Internet of Things, extreme broadband and ultra-low latency applications.
As the two companies collaborate on the development of 5G, a key project will be a 5G trial using Optus’ 3500 MHz spectrum, a globally harmonised band by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for mobile broadband usage. Optus and Nokia will undertake an early 5G prototype in Optus’s band in Australia by 2017.
Tay Soo Meng, Group Chief Technology Officer, Singtel said: “There is a global race to explore and develop 5G technology, and in Australia, Optus is well positioned to lead in this space with our ownership of 3.5 GHz, and close partnerships with our vendors including Nokia.”
Optus has conducted initial closed tests with Nokia at its Sydney headquarters on a new 5G radio test bed on Nokia’s Airscale product.
The demonstration highlighted 5G speed capability with the delivery of Virtual Reality video content. It also showed ultra-reliable low-latency networking enabling new industrial use cases such as real-time responsive robots.
At the same time, a trial has been completed demonstrating the capability of Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) to support the connectivity needs of IoT applications.
“5G is exciting and the potential use for 5G is growing. Through this partnership, the commencement of joint studies, and in-lab and in-field testing, we are primed to explore this technology. As we look ahead, Optus will explore new network architectures and use case trials with a specific 5G focus.
“We are also preparing the network across transport and core networks, through virtualised network functions and cloud infrastructure,” said Mr Tay.
Nokia and Optus will collaborate on a wide range of areas including:
- Promoting 5G global standardisation and industrialisation – Optus through Singtel participates in the NGMN Alliance to give operator inputs to 5G standardisation. Nokia will share the latest 3GPP and ITU 5G technology design concepts, new product launches, innovations and technologies.
- Exploration and trials for new network architectures and applications – to prepare Optus and Singtel for future 5G deployments
- Building technology leadership in 5G – a demonstration of pre-commercial 5G systems at a major sporting event.
Ray Owen, head of Oceania at Nokia, said “Nokia is at the forefront of 5G research and standardisation and has taken huge strides in bringing this technology closer to reality. We have a number of ongoing 5G innovation projects with operators around the world and we hope to bring the same commitment to our partnership with Optus and Singtel. Our experience and expertise in this area will go a long way in setting a strong foundation for Optus in Australia.”