Huawei on Wednesday announced it has inked an agreement with Russian mobile operator MegaFon that will see the duo develop and deploy 5G trial networks in time for coverage at the 2018 World Cup.
The MoU between the Chinese telecom company and the Russian mobile operator will focus on determining the requirements to build a 5G network and creating a team to conduct 5G network trials at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
According to an official statement, the deal will see Huawei introduce “the latest mobile technologies such as SCMA, full duplex, and cloud base station into the 5G network, as well as providing testing 5G terminals in trial zones.” The telecom company will hold regular meetings with MegaFon to share progress on the standardisation of the technology.
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“With the help of MegaFon, we are confident of turning science-fiction-like service into 5G reality for citizens in Russia and soccer fans around the world, two years ahead of the industry’s estimated 5G introduction date of 2020,” stated Ryan Ding, president of Huawei products and solutions.
A 5G test zone will be set up with pilot projects expected to get over by the end of June 2017. It is hoped that after successful trials the 5G network will be made available for use by guests and participants of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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It is expected that 5G technology will get officially standardized before Huawei’s 2018 Russian plans.
