Sep 17, 2018

PJSC VimpelCom (marketed under the Beeline brand) and Ericsson have signed a two-year strategic partnership agreement to develop 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

The strategic partnership will focus particularly on improving the flexibility and efficiency of spectrum utilization and implementing new approaches to network architecture involving projects for core network evolution to 5G Core. The two companies will also deploy Massive MIMO on Beeline’s networks and develop 5G demonstration clusters.

In addition, there will be joint projects on strategy to prepare Beeline’s networks for 5G, which includes scaling of LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro technologies and focusing on the 4G standard.

IoT proof-of-concept testing is also one of the key parts of the agreement.

As part of this, Beeline and Ericsson are exploring the possibility to create an IoT Accelerator Lab for developers of IoT technologies and products and testing solutions based on Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and LTE-M in urban conditions. In addition, Beeline and Ericsson have launched an open zone for IoT testing in central Novosibirsk and on Academpark premises.

Beeline has  previously signed an agreement with residents of the scientific and technological park Akademgorodok for the development of processing technology and big data analysis.

Vasyl Latsanych, VimpelCom CEO, says: “5G standard is the future that has yet to come, and it is not clear enough yet how it will influence everyday life of our customers. Nevertheless, for our company, as a major market player, it is important to prepare Beeline network for advance technologies that require a new architecture that is fundamentally different from previous generations. We are upgrading our network together with our partners and developing new services to provide our customers access to the best and modern Beeline network.”

Sebastian Tolstoy, Head of Ericsson in Russia, says: “By 2021, we will be trialling key 5G technologies, deploying IoT technological clusters and developing new approaches to network architecture to enable 5G services on VimpelCom's network. Our partnership will accelerate VimpelCom's network innovations on the way to 5G, improve the quality of service, and enable new customer services to be offered based on LTE already now.”

The partnership with Ericsson continues the innovative Beeline development strategy that is focused on deploying advanced technologies on the network and developing digital services for customers.

Beeline has previously presented an open trial zone for developers of IoT solutions based on NB-IoT network in the Smart residential community in Maryino (Moscow[TO1] ). Today, two pilot solutions for collecting data from individual and housing energy and water consumption meters are showcased in the Beeline Smart residential community.