NTT DOCOMO has started testing applications using 5G base station and the Intel 5G Mobile Trial Platform end-user device – in association with Nokia.

This is part of Nokia’s strategy to develop a 5G ecosystem in Japan on 4.5GHz spectrum band with NTT DOCOMO. Nokia is doing interoperability testing of multi-vendor technology using the 4.5GHz frequency band.

5G is expected to offer high speeds and low latency that can support new generation broadband applications in services in megacities such as Tokyo.

The Finland-based Nokia will conduct 5G technology trials with DOCOMO in the Tokyo metropolitan area throughout 2017, with particular focus on busy tourist, shopping and business locations as well as at key public events hosted by the operator.

The tests will use Nokia 5G FIRST solution, incorporating the Nokia AirScale base station transmitting over a 5G radio interface to the Intel 5G Mobile Trial Platform. The companies will test end-to-end applications over the air between the base station and the device on the 4.5GHz frequency band, which is one of the candidate bands for 5G in Japan.

“This is a vital first step to allow us to ensure that we have the 5G network infrastructure available for when we commercially introduce the technology, with an ecosystem of device vendors to offer our subscribers the best possible choice and highest quality,” said Seizo Onoe, chief technology officer of NTT DOCOMO.

Asha Keddy, vice president and general manager of Next Generation and Standards in the Communication and Devices Group at Intel and Jae Won, head of Nokia Japan were instrumental in conducting the 5G trials.