The 5GIC is designed to be a leading independent facility for researching and trialling 5G technologies and Huawei, with a number of other technology partners, is working to develop the world’s first 5G test bed, based at the university’s campus, where 5G technologies will be tested in a real-world environment.
Professor Rahim Tafazolli, head of 5GIC at the University of Surrey, said that the test bed will be used to develop proof of concepts, validate standards and test vendor operability.
“It will be progressively upgraded as 5G technology emerges, to allow the next wave of applications and services to be explored,” Tafazolli said.
“The facility is open to partners from anywhere in the world, and we will also be introducing a low-cost way for SMEs and startups to test their innovations for 5G compatibility and showcase their products to a wider audience."
A founding member of the 5GiC, Huawei is investing £5 million in the facility, as part of its pledge to spend $600 million on 5G research and innovation across the globe by 2018.
The vendor joined the 5G Infrastructure Association in July this year, and announced plans to increase R&D investment in France in October.
"Huawei is committed to researching and developing future technologies that help build better connected societies, businesses and economies,” said Tong Wen, CTO at Huawei Wireless Networks.
“Making 5G a success will be essential in achieving this. Our work with the 5GIC at the University of Surrey will enable us to test cutting-edge, fifth-generation mobile technologies in an open and collaborative environment, and help to turn the vision of 5G into a reality."
