(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/xijian)
China Mobile has partnered with Samsung to demonstrate technologies intended for a forthcoming 5G mobile network standard. During an initial field test in Beijing, the teams showcased key innovations such as spatial modulation and FBMC (Filter Bank Multicarrier), both of which can play important roles in next-generation wireless systems.
Samsung joined the China Mobile 5G Innovation Center in June 2016, and this collaboration represents a significant step forward in their joint work. “Over many years of research and development, Samsung has accumulated extensive technology and experience in 5G technology and product development,” said Dai Jun Zhang, Vice President and Head of Samsung R&D Institute China.
The partners focused on how millimetre-wave spectrum can be used to support 5G, since those higher-frequency bands are well suited to very high data rates. For the Beijing field trial, Samsung and China Mobile used two bands: 28 GHz and 3.5 GHz, testing real-world performance across both ranges.
China Mobile, the state-owned operator, serves around 840 million subscribers, giving Samsung the opportunity to engage one of the world’s largest telecommunications markets. In addition, Samsung Electronics was granted a license by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to conduct the country’s first 5G telecommunications test.
“To accelerate the realization of 5G standardization and commercialization in China, we will continue to strengthen our joint efforts with the Chinese government and operators in the future,” said Jun Zhang.
Samsung’s 5G research dates back to the late 2000s, and since 2014 the company has concentrated on technologies aimed at commercialization. Notable milestones include demonstrations of handover in a multi-cell millimetre-wave network and radio-frequency developments important for miniaturizing devices and equipment.
The South Korean company has also been an active contributor to 3GPP standardization efforts and is advocating for a unified global 5G standard, with work aimed at finalizing specifications in the coming years.
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