The launch of the first 5G new air interface standard was hailed as a “milestone†by the industry. However, achieving this milestone wasn't easy—it involved complex negotiations and strategic moves among major players in the telecom sector. Qualcomm, in particular, played a key role in shaping the direction of 5G development.
At the recent 3GPP TSG RAN plenary meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, the first implementable 5G New Radio (5GNR) specification was finalized. This event sparked immediate reactions from leading companies across the globe, including China’s three major operators, the four largest U.S. carriers, Qualcomm, and ZTE. Many of them called it a “milestone,†highlighting its significance in the journey toward full 5G deployment.
On the same day, Ericsson and Qualcomm joined forces with AT&T, NTT DOCOMO, Orange, SK Telecom, Sprint, Telstra, T-Mobile USA, Verizon, and Vodafone to demonstrate multi-vendor interoperability using global 3GPP non-standalone 5G NR standards. The demonstration showcased end-to-end operation of the 5G NR system below 6 GHz and in the millimeter wave bands, specifically at 3.5 GHz and 28 GHz for low-level data connections.
This event is more than just a technical achievement; it marks a critical step in accelerating the commercialization of 5G. Behind the scenes, however, there were intense discussions and trade-offs between different stakeholders, as the development of 5G standards required collaboration on a massive scale.
In 2015, over 500 companies participated in 5G standard discussions, submitting more than 70 proposals over two years. These efforts eventually led to a consensus that paved the way for the initial 5G standard. Although the full 5G specification was still a few years away, the progress made at that time was crucial in setting the stage for future developments.
The multi-vendor interoperability demonstration was a major breakthrough, showcasing the power of industry-wide cooperation. It not only advanced the testing and commercialization of 5G but also helped speed up the rollout of 5G networks in 2019. As the 5G roadmap becomes clearer, it's evident that this milestone will have long-lasting impacts on the future of wireless communication.
Shenzhen MovingComm Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.movingcommtech.com