Nokia said it will be developing the 5G ecosystem with leading Japanese operator NTT Docomo in Japan to prepare for the upcoming introduction of the next generation wireless network.
The collaboration which uses the Intel 5G Mobile Trial Platform - will commence with the key interoperability testing of multi-vendor technology using the 4.5GHz frequency band.
Nokia said it will conduct trials of 5G technology with DOCOMO in the Tokyo metropolitan area throughout 2017, with particular focus on busy tourist, shopping and business locations as well as at key public events hosted by the operator.
The tests will use the Nokia 5G FIRST solution, incorporating the Nokia AirScale base station transmitting over a 5G radio interface to the Intel 5G Mobile Trial Platform. The companies will test end-to-end applications over the air between the base station and the device on the 4.5GHz frequency band, which is one of the candidate bands for 5G in Japan.
The Nokia 5G FIRST solution is based on early-adopters radio specifications that define a common interface to allow equipment from multiple vendors to connect over a 5G radio network.
Seizo Onoe, EVP, CTO and Member of the Board of Directors, NTT Docomo
This is a vital first step to allow us to ensure that we have the 5G network infrastructure available for when we commercially introduce the technology, with an ecosystem of device vendors to offer our subscribers the best possible choice and highest quality.
Jae Won, Head of Nokia Japan
This trial is an important milestone for the development of 5G in Japan, which will be one of the first countries in the world to adopt the technology.