Japanese operator NTT Docomo and an international group of other firms have signed a basic agreement to establish a consortium to provide 5G services, first in Thailand and later in other Asia Pacific countries with the possible inclusion of additional partners. The initial members of the 5G Global Enterprise solution Consortium (5GEC) will be Activio, AGC, Advanced Wireless Network, Exeo Asia, Fujitsu, Loxley Public Company, Mobile Innovation, NEC Corp, NEC Networks & System Integration, NTT Communications, NTT Data Institute of Management Consulting, NTT Docomo, and NTT Ltd.
The consortium’s mission, by coordinating each member’s capabilities in network technologies or sales and marketing networks, will be to provide companies with professional consultation regarding 5G services, especially private 5G networks that function independently of public networks offered by local telecommunications operators. Through the consortium, the participating members will offer the one-stop delivery of private 5G systems and related managed services, capitalizing on the key characteristics of 5G, including Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) and Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC).
Demonstration tests are planned in Thailand in the second half of this year. Commercial services are scheduled for launch in 2022, targeting vertical industries such as manufacturing and construction companies based in Thailand. Thereafter, the consortium plans to expand into other markets, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
The consortium will leverage NTT Docomo’s pioneering in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), expandability and open interfaces to support various mobile frequencies in each country and connect devices provided by various vendors. As a result, the consortium expects to provide users with optimized private 5G networks.
Roles of 5GEC members
As part of the 5G Global Enterprise solution Consortium (5GEC), Activio will be in charge of applications for certification of radio equipment and import, arrangement of certification labeling and acquisition of radio business license; while AGC will provide thin, small-footprint, advanced-design antenna products and improvement of indoor-coverage services, mainly for mm-Wave.
Advanced Wireless Network will provide network connectivity; Exeo Asia will manage construction of network infrastructure including RAN; Fujitsu will offer verification support for network communication equipment and services, while Loxley will be in charge of system integration and engineering.
Mobile Innovation will support building customer channels; NEC will offer verification support for network communication equipment and solutions, and network design and construction, maintenance and operation. NTT Communications will be in charge of the development of customer channels; NTT Data Institute of Management Consulting will support the development of customer channels and solution discovery; Docomo will manage project coordination, 5G solution, design of wireless networks and integration of O-RAN compliant equipment; and NTT will develop customer channels.
