5G Focus is a weekly global feature including notable 5G trials, launches, use cases and major equipment supply contracts. It also features in-depth analysis of strategies, expansion plans, business models and other related initiatives.
Verizon Communications Inc.'s 5G platform will be combined with incubed IT's software as part of an acquisition deal; Accenture PLC and VMware Inc. will help speed up the launch of next-generation networks and edge computing services; and Verizon Business and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd. launched a 5G platform for the retail industry.
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Q&A: Wireless infrastructure CEO expects 5G capex deferment after huge C-band spend: Vertical Bridge REIT LLC co-founder and CEO Alex Gellman said the results of the Federal Communications Commission's C-band spectrum auction could impact operators' budgets for 5G network build-outs in 2021.
US AND CANADA
* Verizon agreed to acquire autonomous mobile robot software company incubed IT. Under the deal, Verizon's 5G platform will be combined with incubed IT's software.
* Altice USA Inc.'s migration to T-Mobile US Inc.'s network will support the former's 5G service launch, among other product offerings, Altice USA CEO Dexter Goei said.
* Verizon Business and Deloitte introduced a 5G and mobile edge computing platform for the retail industry.
* Oracle Corp. launched a cloud-ready Converged Charging System, which will allow communications service providers to charge users in real-time for rich 5G communications and digital lifestyle offers.
* Zyter Inc. is using Verizon's 5G network and edge technology for its ThermalAlert platform, which monitors the temperatures of spectators in sports and entertainment venues.
ASIA-PACIFIC
* Japan's Rakuten Mobile Inc. and Ligado Networks will jointly perform commercial trials for 5G mobile private networks using the Rakuten Communications Platform.
* Pakistan Telecommunication Co. Ltd. demonstrated a non-commercial use of 5G in a remote surgery trial.
* Smart Communications Inc. expanded its 5G coverage to selected areas in Davao City. The Philippines-based operator also launched the service in the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Carcar, Mandaue and Talisay.
* Singtel will partner with Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority, the National University of Singapore, and Singapore Polytechnic to attract and train new employees in skills related to 5G and emerging technologies.
* China Mobile Ltd.'s Shanghai branch and Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. launched a 4.9 GHz indoor commercial 5G network.
* Qualcomm Inc. is working with China Mobile and ZTE Corp. to conduct 5G positioning tests, in a bid to help widen industrial adoption of the technology in China, the South China Morning Post reported, citing a joint statement.
* China Central Television used Telestream LLC's monitoring platform for the broadcast of its first live 8K/Ultra HD television test signals over 5G. China Mobile, China Telecom Corp. Ltd., China Unicom and China Radio and Television provided support for the trial.
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA
* Saudi Telecom Co. rolled out its 5G network in at least 47 cities across Saudi Arabia, Telecompaper reported.
* Advent International Corp. is looking to sell Laird PLC's performance-materials business, which makes products that safeguard and enhance the performance of 5G networks, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
* Accenture and VMware will develop a platform to help telecom companies expedite the launch of 5G and edge computing services.
* Oman Telecommunications Co. SAOG rolled out 5G for mobile devices, Times of Oman reported.
* Ericsson is in talks with Telenet and Orange Belgium SA to supply next-generation equipment, Telecompaper reported, citing L'Echo.
* European Union member states should use part of the bloc's €750 billion recovery fund to build 5G corridors, European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager told Reuters.
* France's Bouygues Telecom SA expanded its 5G services to 800,000 inhabitants in the Bordeaux metropolitan area.
* Telenor Danmark Holding A/S activated its first 5G network in Aarhus, Denmark.
* The Malta Communications Authority launched a public consultation on the allocation of spectrum for 5G services through an auction process.
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