February 17, 2016, 16:00 (CET)

Vodafone Group is partnering with Ericsson and a number of other partners to research 5G technologies and prepare its networks for a transition towards the new mobile standard.

5G will be the next generation of mobile technology, which the International Telecoms Union expects to be formally defined by 2020. As part of the global research effort to develop 5G, Vodafone will work with its partners to define industry standards, establish technical guidelines and prepare product roadmaps. Vodafone and its partners will evaluate which 5G technologies will be introduced as industry standards; test hardware and software in Vodafone Group's UK Innovation Labs; conduct trials on Vodafone's radio and core networks in selected global markets; test and evaluate a wide range of 5G technologies and services; and prioritize the benefits of 5G that can be brought to market by 2020.

Researchers predict that 5G will help deliver a new wave of innovation in digital networks, which will benefit both consumers and a wide range of industries. 5G networks have the potential to significantly reduce latency; allow ultra-fast download and upload speeds; improve spectral efficiency and network reliability; and substantially increase the number of devices that can simultaneously connect to the network, supporting the development of the internet of things.

Johan Wibergh, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Group, said:

"The telecoms industry is still establishing what technology will deliver the benefits we expect from 5G, so it is important to establish dedicated research programmes with these leading global companies. We expect 5G to radically enhance the speed, resilience and intelligence of mobile networks, enabling Vodafone customers to remain confidently connected as their usage of mobile data increases."

Arun Bansal, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Unit Radio, Ericsson, added:

"Ericsson is focused on taking 5G out of the labs and into real-world environments so we welcome the opportunity to support Vodafone's 5G research objectives. With 5G networks promising to transform everything from transportation to healthcare to the way we watch movies, it is great to see our long-time partner, Vodafone, taking a leadership role in the next generation of mobile technology."

Ericsson at Mobile World Congress 2016

During Mobile World Congress 2016 in Barcelona, Ericsson will showcase its unique industry insights, the latest innovation and inspirational discussions that enable powerful new business opportunities. We are in the midst of the societal transformation we call the Networked Society: a society in which mobility, broadband and cloud empower every person and every industry to reach their full potential. Opportunity is everywhere, and companies are transforming according to the role they have chosen to play in the value chains and ecosystems of the Networked Society.

Join us in our Hall (Hall 2, Stand 2N60) to learn about 5G, the Internet of Things and cloud, and to discuss the impact digital transformation can have on people, business and society.