The US government announced the start of the Advanced Wireless Research Initiative (AWRI), a public-private partnership spearheaded by the White House to accelerate the development of next-generation mobile networks in the US. Led by the National Science Foundation, the USD 400 million programme will enable the deployment and use of four city-scale testing platforms for advanced wireless research over the next decade, building on the spectrum just approved for 5G by the Federal Communications Commission.
The NSF will invest USD 85 million in the testing platforms as part of a public-private partnership expected to start early in 2017. In addition, the NSF will invest another USD 350 million over the next seven years in academic research that can use these testing platforms and in complementary efforts by other Federal agencies.
The NSF is also announcing two prize challenges to enhance wireless broadband connectivity. The first challenge will focus on providing rapid, large-scale wireless connectivity to restore critical communication services in the aftermath of a disaster. The second will seek innovative solutions to provide low-cost connectivity in urban areas, leveraging fibre optics in overhead light poles.
In addition, the NSF is jointly funding projects with Intel, on information-centric wireless edge networks; the Academy of Finland, on novel frameworks and tools for the design and analysis of robust and highly dependable wireless networks, especially as they support the Internet of Things; and a millimeter wave research coordination network. The National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Telecommunications and Information Administration and DARPA are also supporting various research initiatives.
Industry players have pledged more than USD 35 million in cash and in-kind support to the testing platforms. Samsung announced its participation as a board member of the Advanced Wireless Research Initiative. Samsung will contribute its expertise in wireless network architecture and mmWave radio access technologies to help lead in the research and testing of next-generation mobile networks.
T-Mobile US, Sprint and Verizon will also provide technical support, and AT&T will provide on-site mobile connectivity in the cities selected as testing grounds for advanced wireless platform research. Other participants include Intel, Qualcomm, HTC, Nokia, Oracle, Viavi Solutions, Interdigital, Keysight Technologies, Commscope and Juniper Networks.
Source: http://www.telecompaper.com/news/samsung-joins-white-houses-5g-research-initiative--1153526