Qualcomm and Ericsson Collaborate To Develop 5G Wireless Standards

After having many disputes, Ericsson and Qualcomm have partnered to develop 5G wireless standards for connecting devices together.

Ericsson and Qualcomm share a long history with wireless standards. Over more than 15 years ago, they settled an intense dispute regarding intellectual property rights for 3G to clear the way for moving the standard forward. Recently, the two companies have not only battled over the licensing cost of Qualcomm’s patents but also have collaborated on advanced versions of LTE and 4G wireless standards.

Now, both organizations have agreed to collaborate during the initial stages of 5G wireless standards – fifth-generation. Apart from forming enhanced understanding of 5G requirements, they will make initial prototypes of wireless equipment and modern chips. These prototypes planned by the companies to examine with wireless service providers will be used in devices and equipment of Ericsson using the components of the chipmaker.

At this year’s Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, 5G wireless standard was an important theme. Many businesses tested new wireless standards operating at gigabit speeds, connecting objects such as semi-autonomous vehicles and industrial sensors. Not surprisingly, the event’s traction was the presence of automakers such as Ford and Porsche and Internet of things (IoT) focused on the idea that by connecting devices together, new facilities could be created by 5G.

The future, nevertheless, brings the problem of connecting a large number of new devices with low latency, reliable coverage, low energy consumption and fast download speeds. Nevertheless, 4G LTE standard’s new versions such as Cat-M and Cat-O, have been already developed to balance these types of requirements.

As most contracts forged between wireless service providers and chipmakers around 5G, Qualcomm and Ericsson will focus to ensure that their devices are able to work together. Its objective is to make both participate more in the 5G wireless standards procedure being dominated by the organization 3G Partnership Project (3GPP) which maintains 4G LTE technology of the current era. 

Both companies are trying to eliminate prototypes by 2018 in which 3GPP hopes to publish first phase of 5G standard. Nevertheless, wireless operators are not expected to have 5G networks up till at least 2020.

At this time, it is probable that most industries will use the new fast speed technology to develop new services – amongst them are augmented and virtual reality with IoT products. Wireless operators such as Verizon and AT&T have envisioned a future in which they offer facilities instead of just maintaining wireless networks.

AT&T said that in upcoming years, it would compete with tech organizations such Amazon and Google even more fiercely through transformation.