The GSMA announced at MWC further details of the first project trials using the common edge cloud platform for telecom operators it launched last year. The interoperable platform intends to optimise the power of edge computing by ensuring that next-generation applications can benefit from 5G’s ultra-low latency and high bandwidth. Tier-one operators including Telefonica, Deutsche Telekom, Telecom Italia (TIM) and KDDI are working together to make their local assets available to developers and software vendors to bring their ever more demanding applications closer to end users, said the industry body.
Telefonica, in partnership with Deutsche Telekom and TIM, is leading the first of the trials. Together, the operators are collaborating with DoubleMe, the developers of a holographic mixed reality portal called Twinworld that offers a truly immersive experience. Its functionality is dependent on 5G’s near-real-time access and high data throughput, said the GSMA, with Telefonica adding that it will not only be testing the edge application performance but network features like smart edge discovery, roaming and interconnection.
The second trial, led by KDDI in partnership with Deutsche Telekom, MobiledgeX, Sturfee, and Mawari, is focused on building a whole new platform that combines Visual Positioning Service (VPS) and XR content streaming technology. The companies previously announced that the proof of concept will begin this month and that the APIs and SDK are expected to be available for developers by October.
The GSMA also announced the creation of the Telco Edge Cloud (TEC) Forum to accelerate the adoption of edge-based services and collaborate with other standards bodies to encourage interoperability. Described as a space where leaders in the edge community can share, develop and progress the adoption of interoperable edge cloud solutions, the forum will investigate barriers to the development and deployment of edge cloud services and promote interconnectivity across platforms. It will also provide an opportunity for members to discuss commercial and business requirements and share results from pre-commercial trials and service launches.
