The Japanese government is reportedly joining the list of groups investing in the early development of 5G technology.
The government hopes to be able to put 5G to practical use in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, so that Japanese technology can be promoted on the world stage, the Yomiuri Shimbunreported, citing sources.
The Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry plans to budget for 5G R&D expenses into its funding request for next financial year, the report states.
It also plans to set up a council consisting of telcos, handset makers and academic experts to promote 5G R&D.
Japanese operator NTT DoCoMo has already agreed to collaborate on 5G research with electronics makers including Fujitsu, and hopes to have 5G commercial services available in some key cities in time for the Olympics. The company hopes to enter field trials next year.
Japan isn't the only government looking to accelerate 5G development and ensure its domestic vendors carve out a slice of the market.
South Korea, a perennial rival to Japan in Akamai's quarterly internet speed rankings, has committed to investing around $1.5 billion in 5G R&D through to 2020.
The upcoming 5G standard promises data rates of a blazing 10Gpbs.