Nokia has signed an agreement with Australia's Optus to collaborate on 5G development, and revealed it is working with KT to deploy the world's first 5G commercial trial network in 2017.
Optus announced that the two companies plan to jointly conduct a 5G trial using Optus' 3500-MHz spectrum. Optus and Nokia will develop an early 5G prototype in the spectrum by 2017.
The companies have already conducted initial closed tests at Optus' Sydney headquarters over a new 5G radio test bed on Nokia's Airscale product, highlighting the capability of 5G to deliver virtual reality video content at the required speeds.
“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 3.5GHz, and close partnerships with our vendors including Nokia,” commented Tay Soo Meng, CTO of Optus' parent company Singtel.
In a blog post, Nokia project manager for 5G development research Jani Moilanen separately detailed the steps Nokia and KT are taking to deploy a 5G commercial trial network in the 28-GHz band next year.
Nokia Bell Labs and the Nokia Korea Advanced Technology Center have developed initial network plans using 3D maps, accurate ray-tracing simulations and other technologies to address the potential for blockages of the 28-GHz band, including human bodies blocking line of sight between device and base station.
The company is also working to address other key network planning challenges, including sufficient non-line-of-sight coverage in outdoor areas.