Brussels, 07/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - Following the European conference on networks and communications took place in Bologna on 23-26 June, with 5G are the heart of discussions, the European Commission noted in a memo on Friday 4 July the importance that the European Union proactively prepare the network infrastructure needed for the roll-out of 5G, which “will be more than just the next step beyond today's 4G networks”. Commissioner for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes said: “It will also offer totally new possibilities to connect people, and also things - being cars, houses, energy infrastructures”.
The European Commission had fallen behind with 4G-network implementation but has moved forward with 5G and last December launched a public-private partnership to fund R&D in this area. The 5G PPP project provides funding for research in very fast mobile broadband networks. €700 million will be provided by the European Unique as part of the Horizon 2020 programme and €700 million will be invested by private partners (telecommunications operators and manufacturers), making a total of €1.4 billion. In February 2014, Commissioner Kroes called for global agreement on 5G by 2015 and set out the deadline for the telecommunications industry to define a timetable for implementing 5G across the globe. On 16 June, the Commission also announced a strategic cooperation agreement with South Korea in the area of communication and information technology and 5G, and further discussions on the most recent technological developments (networks and communications, particularly 5G). (IL)