ITU & 3GPP driven 5G has huge potential in utilising Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV) to enhance radio access and core network elements. Many operators and equipment manufacturers have already invested heavily to reap the benefits of this technology.

Last week, ITU-R Workshop on IMT-2020 terrestrial radio interfaces was held in Munich, Germany with main objective to outline the process of submission/reception of the Radio Interface Technology (RIT)/set of RIT (SRIT) proposals and acknowledgment of receipt.

5G New Radio (NR) development is part of continuous mobile broadband evolution process to meet the requirements of 5G as outlined by IMT-2020, similar to earlier evolution of 3G & 4G wireless networks.

TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Forecast Service new data reveals that global LTE subscribers are projected to grow 35% compounded annually over the next five years, from 516 million to 2.3 billion. To date, LTE adoption has been strongest in South Korea, where the 4G technology accounted for 63% of wireless subscribers in 2014.

Alcatel-Lucent has signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korean telecommunications provider, KT, under which the companies will collaborate to advance 5G development in South Korea with initial testing focusing on virtualized RAN to support next generation mobile architecture.