BEIJING: The European Union yesterday announced that it has signed a key agreement with China on fifth-generation telecommunications, or 5G, a move to seek an edge in global digital competitiveness.
“Both parties are committed to reciprocity and openness in terms of access to 5G network research funding, market access as well as in membership of Chinese and EU 5G associations,” the EU said in a press release.
Signed at yesterday’s China-EU High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue in Beijing, the agreement was described by the EU as a “milestone” in the global race to develop 5G networks.
“It’s a crucial step in making 5G a success,” said Gunther Oettinger, EU Commissioner for the digital economy and society. “With today’s signature with China, the EU has now teamed up with the most important Asian partner in a global race to make 5G a reality by 2020.”
5G is expected to be commercially available from 2020 and China is viewed to be a likely major player of 5G development and also potentially the world’s largest market for the new technology, products and services.
Under the deal, the EU and China will seek to reach a global understanding on the concept, basic functionalities, key technologies and time plan for 5G by the end of this year.
They also decided to cooperate on joint research and to promote bilateral participation of enterprises in 5G research projects. Meanwhile, they will work to facilitate the identification of the most promising radio frequency bands to meet the new spectrum requirements for 5G.
The two sides will jointly explore possibilities on services and applications for 5G, especially in the Internet of Things which connects traditional devices, including home appliances, to the Internet.
Commenting that China will have a substantial role in establishing a 5G global standard, the EU said both sides will jointly promote global standardization for 5G.
“Under this agreement, EU companies, particularly the EU telecoms and ICT (information and communications technology) industry, are likely to have easier access to the Chinese market,” the press release said.
“In particular, European companies will be able to access and participate in China’s publicly funded 5G research, development and innovation initiatives on the same terms as Chinese companies currently participate in the EU’s 5G activities.”
The EU stressed the deal is “very timely” as the 5G standard race will start in 2016 together with talks on spectrum requirements for 5G.
