UAE-based telecoms group Etisalat and Qualcomm Technologies have signed a strategic agreement to work together on advancing the development of next generation network technologies, with a particularly focus on accelerating 5G standardisation to bring forward a potential commercial 5G launch to 2019, reports TradeArabia. As part of the agreement, the two companies will also look to work with regulators (on enhancing next generation spectrum resources) and handset manufacturers (to quicken the establishment of the 5G network/device ecosystem). In addition, they aim to conduct a 5G demonstration in the Middle East/North African region, with US-owned Qualcomm providing the 5G chipset.
Hatem Bamatraf, CTO for Etisalat’s international division, said upon signing the deal: ‘In this fast-changing digital age collaboration is king and we need to look at holistic business solutions to realise the opportunities that digital provides … By working together, and engaging with the wider mobile ecosystem, Etisalat Group and Qualcomm Technologies aim to advance the preparatory development of 5G, enabling us to make the service commercially available quicker than expected, which will enhance our customers’ experience.’