MTS has brought Samsung into its 5G network strategy by signing a memorandum of understanding to explore the use of a range of technologies.
The two companies will focus on the likes of advanced carrier aggregation and MIMO technologies, LTE broadcast, multi-path transmission control protocols, as well as the likes of NB-IoT and LTE-M. They said multiple tests will be carried out leveraging 4G infrastructure.
The trials will build upon work the telcos have been carrying out since 2013 to set up LTE networks across the north west federal district of Russia.
MTS Vice President of Technology Andrei Ushatskiy said: “MTS is consecutively working on preparation of its network in Russian regions for 5G technology deployment, and signing [this] memorandum with Samsung is another important step on that way. Paying close attention already now to innovative research and development, when new standard requirements are still under formation, we build a basis for quick 5G implementation in [the] future, considering growing subscriber needs and changing environment on country’s telecom market.
“Commercial deployment of new technologies, including an area of IoT, will make it possible for us to occupy new market niches in both corporate and mass market domains.”
Samsung joins Nokia in helping MTS with its 5G strategy. In May, MTS announced it would work with Nokia to build a trial 5G network in time for the 2018 World Cup.
MTS will implement enhanced carrier aggregation, LTE broadcast, LTE-U and Licensed Assisted Access networks during the sporting event.