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KDDI to Run 5G PoC on 4.5GHz and Interop with LTE Across Japan with Ericsson

KDDI to Run 5G PoC on 4.5GHz and Interop with LTE Across Japan with Ericsson Image Credit: Ericsson

Japanese Operator, KDDI has signed an agreement with Ericsson to test a 5G PoC on the 4.5GHz frequency band in a number of cities across Japan.

During the trial, KDDI and Ericsson will carry out a large number of tests across a wide range of 5G use cases on the 4.5GHz and 28GHz frequency bands, including interworking between 5G and LTE.

The 4.5GHz frequency band is one of the candidates for 5G in Japan and the agreement is an extension of the previously announced 5G research and development collaboration between the two companies, which involves the development of 5G use cases, requirements and deployment scenarios, as well as evaluating the performance of potential key 5G components and examining how they can be applied.

KDDI and Ericsson have collaborated on 5G since 2015, when the two companies announced the signing of a MoU with the intention to advance the evolution of the technology.

During this period the two companies have jointly conducted various PoC tests in Japan, including Cellular IoT and Internet of Things Connectivity for Enterprises. From January 2017, the two companies have carried out proof of concept activities using 28GHz band in Shinjuku, one of the busiest district in Tokyo.

Yoshiaki Uchida, Senior Managing Exective, KDDI
Our collaborative partnership with Ericsson strongly supports KDDI’s objective to launch commercial 5G services for our subscribers and enterprise customers by 2020. 

Chris Houghton, Head of Market Area North East Asia, Ericsson 
These 5G proof of concept test activities will help us design the best possible 5G network for KDDI. 5G is an evolution of LTE and by using the 4.5GHz frequency band, we will be able to further develop our features and optimize the interworking between 5G and LTE.

Author

Ray is a news editor at The Fast Mode, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry.

For tips and feedback, email Ray at ray.sharma(at)thefastmode.com, or reach him on LinkedIn @raysharma10, Facebook @1RaySharma

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