Beeline, Huawei testing 4.5G, 5G technologies

Russian mobile operator VimpelCom (Beeline) has signed an agreement with China’s Huawei to test 4.5G and 5G technologies, announcing in a joint statement: ‘Cooperation with Huawei is aimed at setting the right steps to develop Beeline’s network on its way to 5G within the strategy of VimpelCom’s digital transformation.’ In the immediate phase the partners will test LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) and LTE-Advanced Pro (4.5G) technology in January-March 2017, whilst also developing and testing Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) technologies throughout the year. The companies’ statement added: ‘The research will help Huawei to design new technologies and standards and VimpelCom to create networks of a new generation, raise the level of connection quality and launch new digital services for clients.’