Although the telecom industry is still a few years away from establishing a standard for 5G mobile networks, research and development is happening in earnest. The latest action in that space comes from Samsung and South Korean operator LG Uplus; on June 25 the companies signed a memorandum of understanding detailing cooperation on developing 5G and agreed to a 2020 target date for 5G readiness.
Specifically, Samsung and LG Uplus are working on: “5G global spectrum identification and acquisition; 5G technology co-development; [and] 5G technology global standardization.”
Samsung EVP or research and development in network business, DongSoo Park, said the goal is a broad convergence of promising new technologies.
“This partnership will help us drive R&D, which in turn will power innovation in the global telecommunications industry,” Park said. “5G networks will be based on the convergence of a whole host of incredible new technologies, from more advanced antenna systems to network functions virtualization. Bringing together Samsung’s cutting-edge technology and LG Uplus’expertise and understanding of end-users preferences as well as application and service trends, will be a powerful combination.”
While actual standards are still in flux, there’s broad industry agreement that 5G will include new and more spectrum as well as a major emphasis on spectral efficiency. Network densification is another key market of 5G.
Sun Tae Kim, LG Uplus EVP of the service development division, said the partnership would make the operator “well-prepared for the 5G era. Through close collaboration and by leveraging LG Uplus’ extensive network management understanding and Samsung’s technology leadership, we hope to lead the next generation of telecommunications technology, not only in Korea, but around the world.”
LG Uplus ended the first quarter of 2015 with 8.7 million subscribers in the LTE segment, climbing 4% compared to the last quarter of 2014.
According to the telco’s latest quarterly report, LTE technology accounted for 77% of its overall subscriber base. By the end of 2013, LTE represented 65% of LG plus’ overall customer base.
LG Uplus, fully owned by LG, is South Korea’s third-largest mobile operator behind SK Telecom and KT Corp.
