SingTel and Ericsson have announced their partnership to evaluate and test technologies that are candidates for future 5G standardization.

The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore future 5G networks and to address a wide range of use cases from consumers to industries. The companies will also study how 5G technology can support Singapore’s vision of being a “Smart Nation.”

Tay Soo Meng, Group Chief Technology Officer, SingTel, says:

“We see 5G as a potential technology that will support very advanced communication needs in the future. We will endeavor to explore, study and possibly trial the 5G technologies to ensure SingTel continues its technology leadership in the mobile communications domain.”

Sam Saba, Region Head of, Ericsson South East Asia & Oceania, says:

“5G will enable the full potential of Ericsson’s vision of the Networked Society, where everything that can be connected will be connected. This partnership with SingTel will enable us to further explore the opportunities that will arise with 5G, utilizing our market-leading technologies to develop our solutions and empower people, business and society in Singapore.”

With the expected 5G adoption to begin around 2020, Ericsson is focusing on how the industry will adopt the 5G standard globally to deliver capabilities and services beyond the mainstream 4G offerings.

Both companies are to form a team to study potential 5G candidate technologies which can be applicable to Singapore. The agreement allows flexibility for Ericsson and SingTel to explore a wide range of areas including, but not limited to, technologies to support Massive Machine Type Communications (MTC) and evolution to a cloud-based network.