Swisscom and Ericsson launch “5G for Switzerland”

Swisscom and Ericsson are getting set for the new mobile generation with their '5G for Switzerland' programme. Along with academic partner, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), they are researching and pushing ahead with 5G development. Applications are being devised and tested with industrial partners in various sectors, such as smart transportation and virtual reality. The research results will support the definition of international standards for 5G, with completion planned for 2019.

By Armin Schädeli

16 June 2016

The rapid increase of connected devices, sensors and ever-evolving digital applications has engulfed the mobile network in a data deluge. By 2020 the new 5G technology will provide a worldwide solution to cater for the colossal increase in connected devices and data volumes and bring the benefits of latencies below 5 milliseconds and battery life measured in years.

Together with EPFL and as part of their '5G for Switzerland' programme, Swisscom and Ericsson will work with industry partners to understand how 5G can innovate their business and develop industrial applications to implement and trial. In the light of 5G technology, challenges such as smart transportation, autonomous driving, automated traffic control systems, smart grid, and, to a massive extent, IoT (Internet of Things) and virtual reality take on a whole new meaning. The results will be incorporated into the definition of international standards for 5G, with completion planned for 2019. In the future, 5G will guarantee a huge increase in speed, ultra-short response times and absolute reliability and stability. Additional benefits will include greatly reduced energy consumption to operate networks and for end devices – promising a completely new eco system for business models.

Heinz Herren, CTO and CIO Swisscom said: "5G is still in the early stages of development. For Swisscom it is essential to be in on the planning from the start, preparing for future applications."

Martin Buerki, Ericsson Head of Switzerland, said: “We are delighted to partner with Swisscom and EPFL to extend our “5G for Europe programme” to Switzerland where we can address the innovation potential that 5G communications technology will bring by working together with local industries.”

Dr. Michaël Thémans, Deputy Vice-President for Innovation and Technology Transfer at EPFL:

«Swisscom’s upcoming 5G technology will accelerate the development of innovative solutions in numerous promising fields such as smart grids, intelligent mobility and digital health. As dozens of our labs are working on the increased connectivity of people as well as of objects and infrastructures, EPFL is eager to collaborate with Swisscom by promoting the scientific skills of its relevant labs.»

'5G for Switzerland' is part of Ericsson's European '5G for Europe' programme designed to strengthen the competitiveness of Switzerland and Europe. Swisscom aims to extend its network with 5G by 2020.

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