The tussle around who will be in charge of 5G innovation has continued with the announcement Huawei is setting up a South Korea-based research centre in partnership with local operator LG Uplus.
The China-based vendor’s Mobile Innovation Centre, which will also test LTE-A technology, will be based in Seoul, with both companies working together to “offer the most advanced, high-quality and cost competitive services to customers”.
In addition to 5G, among the technology that will be explored by both companies are LTE-Advancec carrier aggregation, small cells and network quality technologies, as well as hardware testing.
Huawei Wireless Networks CMO Yang Chaobin said: “LG Uplus selected Huawei as its preferred LTE technology partner to build a nation-wide LTE network and we are thrilled to see South Korean people now enjoying superior mobile experiences as a result. Huawei is committed to bringing the world’s most advanced mobile broadband services to more people worldwide, and industry cooperation, such as the one we have with LG Uplus, makes it even easier for us to do so.”
Huawei has been one of several vendors prepared for testing 5G technology. After lagging behind with the launch of 4G LTE, Europe is keen to reclaim its reputation for innovation.
Last week, the Mayor of London said it wanted the city to be the first capital to launch 5G, as part of wider plans to increase the quality and capacity of mobile coverage across the city.
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