The new facility will allow the companies to test and co-develop 5G solutions for industries
Ericsson, Singtel and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) have opened what they claim is the country’s first live 5G facility.
The facility, named 5G Garage, runs on 3.5 GHz trial spectrum granted by Singapore telecom regulator IMDA.
Ericsson and Singtel said that the 5G facility will serve as a training center and test bed to develop Singapore’s 5G ecosystem and drive the adoption of 5G by local companies.
The three parties signed a memorandum of understanding which includes the following strategic objectives:
-Build and operate a 5G facility where enterprises can develop and test 5G solutions.
-Co-develop 5G solutions relevant to industries such as transportation, logistics, healthcare and manufacturing.
“Singtel is pleased to partner Ericsson and SP on our 5G Garage initiative. As Singapore advances its digital economy and becomes a Smart Nation, the benefits of 5G will first be seen in enterprises, especially in their digital transformation when they integrate technology into their processes, services and products. With 5G standards largely established, now is an opportune time for SMEs and enterprises to join us in shaping our 5G future,” said Mark Chong, Group CTO at Singtel.
Martin Wiktorin, country manager for Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines at Ericsson, said, “5G has the potential to transform industries and bring enhanced mobile broadband experience for consumers. At Ericsson, we are already collaborating globally with 42 operators, 45 institutes and 31 industry partners, to create a thriving 5G ecosystem.”
“This collaboration reflects our strong industry partnership, which is key to keeping our student learning relevant and updated. This latest collaboration will equip our students with skills in the latest technologies and nurture them to innovate and create solutions for the world,” said Soh Wai Wah, Singapore Polytechnic’s principal and CEO.
Three SP Engineering student projects — a secure drone system, a driverless car and a pipe-climbing robot — were selected for 5G development.
5G Garage is the latest project in Singtel and Ericsson’s 5G center of excellence program, which focuses on upgrading of employees’ skills, technology demonstrations, live field trials and collaborations with educational institutions.The two companies’ plans for the CoE effort were initially announced last October, with plans to invest $1.7 million over three years. The companies said the new facility will support Singapore’s smart nation initiatives and that it would be open to Optus, an Australian telco controlled by Singtel.
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