5G Focus is a weekly global feature including notable 5G trials, launches, use cases and major equipment supply contracts. It also features in-depth analysis of strategies, expansion plans, business models and other related initiatives.
US AND CANADA
* Wireless transport services provider Aviat Networks Inc. completed the acquisition of Canadian mission-critical data infrastructure company Redline Communications Group Inc. The deal will support Aviat's plan to establish a new "center of excellence" for 5G development in Canada.
* Mobile and video technology developer InterDigital Inc. struck a multiyear patent licensing deal with Zebra Technologies Corp. The agreement involves InterDigital's patents related to 4G, 5G and WiFi technologies.
ASIA-PACIFIC
* Mobile operator Two Degrees Mobile Ltd. expanded its 5G coverage to 13 more areas across New Zealand in June. The telco also launched its unlimited 5G wireless broadband services in parts of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and enabled support for selected 5G-capable iPhone models.
* Indian conglomerate Adani Group confirmed plans to participate in an upcoming 5G frequency auction in the country but said it does not intend to provide consumer mobility services. Adani plans to use the spectrum it could acquire to provide private network services with improved cybersecurity to various sectors. The auction is set to begin July 26, The Economic Times (India) reported.
* Nokia Oyj and the Indian Institute of Science opened the Nokia Center of Excellence in Networked Robotics in Bengaluru, India. The new center will drive interdisciplinary research on robotics and advanced communication technologies in 5G and AI.
* Kazakh national telco Kazakhtelecom unveiled a proposal to implement 5G in the country, CommsUpdate reported. The proposal includes suggestions to disable 2G and 3G networks, roll out Open Radio Access Network technology and transition existing networks to virtual RAN.
* Nokia and South Korean mobile operator LG U+ signed a memorandum of understanding to team up on research and development efforts focused on next-generation wireless standards, Yonhap News Agency reported. The cooperation will center on 5G Advanced and 6G technologies, including the expansion of network structures, bandwidths and service zones.
* Japanese wireless carrier Rakuten Mobile Inc. teamed up with power transmission and distribution business operator TEPCO Power Grid Inc. to form Rakuten Mobile Infra Solution Inc., a new company that will provide construction services for base stations. The new entity is expected to support Rakuten Mobile in expanding its 4G and 5G coverage.
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA
* Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG is launching its 5G network in Germany's Munich subway. All O2 customers with an appropriate tariff plan and device can use 5G on the entire subway network of the Bavarian capital.
* Russia's State Commission for Radio Frequencies resolved to repurpose millimeter-wave frequencies in the 24.25 GHz to 27.5 GHz bands for 5G access networks, CommsUpdate reported, citing TelecomDaily. The spectrum is currently used for existing radio relay stations.
* Mobile TeleSystems PJSC has acquired a 25% stake in New Digital Solutions LLC, a joint venture formed by Russian operators for 5G tests and research on frequencies for building 5G networks, CommsUpdate reported, citing Interfax. The joint venture also includes MegaFon, PJSC Rostelecom and VimpelCom's Beeline.
* Elisa Eesti AS called the distribution of 5G frequency licenses in Estonia "unfair," saying rival Tele2 Eesti AS obtained additional 5G spectrum without undergoing an auction process, ERR News reported. The telco reportedly said that Tele2 gained extra bandwidth with its acquisitions of two companies more than 10 years ago whose frequencies were changed in 2017. State regulator Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority rejected the claims.
* Nokia secured a five-year deal from Ice Group Scandinavia Holdings AS to upgrade and expand 5G radio network infrastructure across Norway, Dow Jones Newswires reported. Nokia reportedly said the deployment is already in progress and will run until 2026.
* T-Mobile Netherlands BV tapped Ericsson as a supplier for the renewal of its mobile radio network. The mobile operator will enter into a long-term commitment with Ericsson for the supply of mobile radio network for 5G, 4G and 3G.
* Telefónica SA-owned Spanish mobile operator Movistar improved its 5G coverage in over 300 tourist resorts across the country in response to an expected surge in mobile data demand from summer holiday-goers, CommsUpdate reported, citing ADSLZone.
Featured research
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