5G Standardization Gaining Momentum

December 11, 2014

By Ernest Worthman

December 11, 2014 — This year has seen definitive movement in the development of standards that will form the foundation of Next Generation Mobile Networks: 5G Initiative, according to ABI Research.

Finally, the formal standards process has begun. There is now a substantial offering of big-name vendors working on all aspects of 5G, including Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia Networks. As well, IP vendors like Intel Interdigital and Samsung are in. Even mobile operators, academia and startups are getting a stake in the game.

What makes this more than just smoke and mirrors is the involvement of some highly influential companies, such as Qualcomm, which have remained quiet until recently about their vision and plans for 5G. Meanwhile, more companies, previously not very involved with standardization efforts are coming to the table. Apple’s involvement with the Next Generation Mobile Networks: 5G Initiative is proof of that.

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Ernest Worthman is the editor of AGL Small Cell Magazine.