The EU and Japan have agreed to work together for the development of 5G mobile technology and to invest EUR 12 million during the next two years in 5G related projects. The projects will help develop the Internet of Things, cloud or big data platforms. 5G equipment and networks are likely to become available to the public in 2020. Japan aims to deploy 5G networks in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The deal was made during the EU-Japan summit in Tokyo by Japanese Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Sanae Takaichi and European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society Gunther Oettinger. The EU earlier signed a 5G cooperation agreement with South Korea and is working towards closer cooperation with other countries, including China.
Under the terms of the current agreement, the EU and Japan will develop a global definition of 5G, including a broad definition, key functionalities and a target time table, with the aim of conducting a first review of joint progress by the end of 2015. The EU unveiled its5G blueprint in March. The two parties will also develop global standards for 5G, seewhich radio frequency bands can be harmonised globallyto meet additional spectrum requirements for 5G and identify future 5G applications and ecosystemsin areas likeconnected cars,e-health or high-quality video content distribution.
