NTT DOCOMO, INC. (DOCOMO) and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) announced today that they will collaborate with world-leading mobile technology vendors Fujitsu, NEC, and Nokia to conduct experimental trials of new mobile communications technologies for the targeted commercial launch of 6G services by around 2030.
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Launching the envisioned 6G services will require verification of numerous new mobile technologies, including those needed to newly use frequencies in the millimeter and sub-terahertz (above 6 GHz) bands, in addition to bands for existing 5G services. The trials are also expected to verify AI-based wireless transmission methods. DOCOMO and NTT will jointly conduct experimental trials with the three vendors, focusing on mobile technologies using new 6G frequency bands and AI-based wireless technology among these various mobile technologies.
The new 6G system will greatly exceed the performance of 5G and simultaneously provide high-speed, large capacity, and low latency capabilities, use new high-frequency bands such as sub-terahertz bands above 100 GHz, expand communication coverage in the sky, at sea and in space, and enable both ultra-low-power consumption and low-cost communications.
The realization of 6G is one of the most important goals envisaged in the NTT group’s Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN)* project for launching all-new communication infrastructure. Aiming to realize “5G Evolution & 6G powered by IOWN,” DOCOMO and NTT are actively conducting 6G research and development combining NTT’s optical and wireless technologies with DOCOMO’s mobile technologies.
Naoki Tani, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at DOCOMO, said: “6G studies are progressing two or three years ahead of that of 5G. From this early stage, we would like to collaborate with world-leading global vendors to proactively demonstrate breakthrough concepts and technologies and promote them to the world.”
DOCOMO and NTT will begin conducting indoor trials within the fiscal year ending in March 2023, and outdoor trials will begin in the following fiscal year. The trials are expected to verify concepts proposed so far by DOCOMO and NTT and will be reported in global research groups, international conferences and standardization activities related to 6G, and will serve as a foundation for more advanced technologies.
Through their 6G trials with the three abovementioned vendors as well as other partners, DOCOMO and NTT look forward to accelerating the global standardization and commercialization of 6G.
*Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) is an advanced communications infrastructure incorporating cutting-edge photonics, computing and other technologies to realize a smarter world promoted by IOWN Global Forum (https://iowngf.org/).
Partner Quotes:
– Fujitsu
Shingo Mizuno, EVP of Fujitsu Limited comments: “We are excited to start collaboration with DOCOMO and NTT to work toward the realization of practical applications for 6G. Fujitsu positions network technology as an essential element in its efforts to deliver business transformation through digital innovation and ultimately achieve a more sustainable society. We are confident that our involvement in the research and development of 6G technologies will contribute to solving societal issues in keeping with this vision of a sustainable future.”
– NEC
Atsuo Kawamura, Executive Vice President, NEC Corporation said: “We are pleased to expand our collaboration with DOCOMO and NTT in the development of 6G, which represents an important foundation that will accelerate the fusion of the digital and real world, connect things and experiences on a global scale, and provide new value to society. Moreover, this will contribute to the achievement of the NTT Group’s IOWN initiative as we actively promote research and development toward the realization of 6G and a more prosperous society.”
– Nokia
Peter Vetter, President Bell Labs Core Research, Nokia, said: “It is an honor for Nokia to collaborate with DOCOMO and NTT to jointly define and develop key technologies towards 6G. Nokia and DOCOMO have a long-lasting relationship in early joint research, and DOCOMO is always among the first operators to bring new generations to the market. We look forward to working together to validate AI native air interface and sub-terahertz proof-of-concepts that will help bring 6G to life.”
About NTT DOCOMO
NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator with over 83 million subscriptions, is one of the world’s foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities (“+d” partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations. www.docomo.ne.jp/english/.
About NTT
NTT believes in resolving social issues through our business operations by applying technology for good. We help clients accelerate growth and innovate for current and new business models. Our services include digital business consulting, technology and managed services for cybersecurity, applications, workplace, cloud, data center and networks all supported by our deep industry expertise and innovation. As a top 5 global technology and business solutions provider, our diverse teams operate in 80+ countries and regions and deliver services to over 190 of them. We serve over 80% of Fortune Global 100 companies and thousands of other clients and communities around the world. For more information on NTT, visit www.global.ntt/.