Verizon, Qualcomm Technologies and Novatel Wireless have announced plans to collaborate on the development of 5G New Radio (NR) millimetre wave (mmWave) technology and over-the-air field trials based on the 5G NR ‘Release 15’ specifications that are currently being developed by industry standards body 3GPP. The companies plan to initially focus on 5G NR operation in the 28GHz and 39GHz mmWave spectrum bands, with a view to achieving robust multi-Gigabit per second data rates at significantly lower latencies than today’s commercial networks.
TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that Verizon Communications agreed to pay USD3.1 billion for self-styled ‘communications asset company’ Straight Path Communications in May 2017, after a bidding war with AT&T. Virginia-based Straight Path holds a nationwide portfolio of 5G-suitable mmWave spectrum, including multiple 28GHz and 39GHz licences.