SingTel has teamed up with Ericsson to test technologies that are candidates for inclusion into the 5G standard, as part of its goal of becoming one of the first operators in the world to deploy 5G.
The companies have signed a memorandum of undertanding to study the future of 5G networks and applications for the technology for consumers and enterprises.
The deal will cover workshops to determine 5G requirements and trials for potential 5G technologies.
SingTel is separately helping to finalise the Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) Alliance's 5G white paper, that will serve as a backbone for the telecom industry as it develops 5G technology.
“In Singapore, 5G technology development will enable the Smart Nation vision in the next five to 10 years, by providing a superb wireless connectivity layer with huge capacity and solid reliability for human-to-human and machine-to-machine communications,” SingTel CTO Tay Soo Meng said.
“And Singtel is working towards being one of the first in the world to roll out 5G in the year 2020.”
SingTel entered a similar 5G R&D partnership with Huawei in November that will also involve helping to develop and trial 5G technologies.
Ericsson has likewise been collaborating with SK Telecom on 5G R&D since July. The companies aim to be able to demonstrate 5G at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.