May 11, 2016, 07:00 (CEST)

• Ericsson and China Unicom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on network architecture, 5G, cloud and the Internet of Things (IoT)
• Agreement will help drive innovation and early application of 5G mobile network technology
• Ericsson has announced more than 20 agreements to test 5G with operators across the globe.

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and China Unicom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 27, 2016 in Beijing, China to collaborate on next-generation networks.

The two companies aim to accelerate the development of next-generation network standardization and the maturity of network infrastructure, to establish cross-industry ecosystems and to foster innovation for new business. The agreement will help drive innovation and early application of 5G mobile network technology.

Under the terms of the MoU, Ericsson and China Unicom will cooperate on network architecture, 5G, cloud and the Internet of Things (IoT), including:

• Next-generation network architecture for fixed mobile convergence
• Cooperation on 5G standardization, research into key technologies and joint testing
• Studies of network visualization and 5G network slicing
• Joint promotion of software-defined networking (SDN) projects in standardization groups and SDN solution verification
• Mobile cellular IoT network end-to-end solutions and services
• Support China Unicom's 'Focus Strategy', commercial network evolution solution and low-cost coverage solution deployment and practice.

Guanglu Shao, Vice President, China Unicom, says:

"Ericsson is a long-term strategic partner of China Unicom. As the transformation toward next-generation networks approaches, we hope to strengthen the partnership with Ericsson, the world-leading company, in technology and business development - especially in 5G, IoT and cloud - in order to win the future."

Chris Houghton, Head of Region North East Asia, Ericsson, says:

"With Ericsson's industry leading technology, portfolio and global experience, China Unicom will be more competitive in networks and get ready to embrace the opportunities of network transformation."

Ericsson is driving 5G, cloud and IoT technology innovation, and cooperates with customers, partners and global standards bodies. Ericsson has already announced more than 20 agreements to test 5G with operators across the globe. Ericsson 5G Radio prototypes, designed for operator field trials, are already achieving more than 25Gbps mobile throughput. Ericsson and its customers will be key players in defining the next generation of mobile network technology all the way to commercialization.