Nokia will work with NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s largest mobile operator, to support the launch of a 5G commercial network planned for 2020.
The Finnish operator said it will enhance existing baseband units and integrate 5G NR (5G New Radio)-based hardware into its network.
5G NR, a global standard which aims to support a wide variety of device types, services and spectrum, was officially given the green light at the 3GPP TSG RAN plenary meeting in Lisbon last month. As this publication reported at the time, the move meant “it won’t be long before we can start reporting on the real deal” for 5G trials.
Nokia and NTT DOCOMO were two of the 30 companies who jointly made the announcement. The two companies have been working closely together in trials of 5G technologies, Nokia added, supporting the Japanese company in the evolution of its network from 4G/LTE to 5G.
“The agreement with NTT DOCOMO is a major milestone in bringing 5G to commercial reality, especially in a country with a long and proud history of technological achievements and early technology adoption,” said Marc Rouanne, president of mobile networks at Nokia in a statement.
“Together we have worked hard in recent months to commence preparations for NTT DOCOMO’s eventual launch of its operational 5G service by 2020, which we have now set in motion by this very exciting announcement today.”
Hiroshi Nakamura, EVP and chief technology officer at NTT DOCOMO, added: “With this agreement with Nokia, we are now proceeding to the next step to launch 5G mobile services by 2020, and accelerate co-creation of new services and businesses with vertical industry partners.”