The European Commission has signed a strategic deal with the South Korean government to develop and implement 5G wireless technologies in future.
The joint deal was signed in Seoul by Vice President of the EC for the Digital Agenda, Neelie Kroes, and South Korea’s Minister of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP), Mun-Kee Choi.
As part of the deal, EC and South Korea will research together on developing 5G and Information Communications Technology (ICT), developing common standard for 5G technology as well as harmonising frequency bands. The two will also launch a joint funded Research and Development (R&D) program in 2016-2017.
European Commission VP for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes said, “5G will become the new lifeblood of the digital economy and digital society once it is established. Both Europe and Korea recognise this. This is the first time ever that public authorities have joined together in this way, with the support of private industry, to push forward the process of standardisation. Today’s declaration signals the our commitment to being global digital leaders.”
A memorandum of understanding will also be signed by EU’s 5G Infrastructure Association, which includes telecom carriers and companies like Nokia, Orange, Ericsson, and Huawei and South Korea’s 5G forum.
EC’s latest deal with South Korea indicates its intention to lead the next mobile revolution.
