The new generation of 5G mobile networks is
the future of the Information and Communication
Technologies (ICT) sector -- a true
technological revolution that will deliver the
Internet of Things and is being driven by R&D+i
initiatives like '5TONIC', Spain's leading 5G
innovation laboratory.
At the 4th Mobility Forum of RedIRIS (the
Spanish academic and research network),
Professor Arturo Azcorra, Vice President of
5TONIC, recently presented the work of 5TONIC.
The laboratory promotes technological
development as well as the early
implementation and penetration of 5G
communications in the productive environment.
5G is recognized internationally as an engine of
economic development and competitiveness.
The conference looked beyond wireless
networks to all the technologies that enable
users to carry out their academic work in an
increasingly mobile environment. Azcorra
argued that the ultrafast mobile broadband
technology of 5G promises the most profound
development in communications this decade.
"Not only is 5G a radical technological change
providing smarter networks based on
virtualization and softwarization, but it will also
result in services being delivered in a much
more personalized way. We will also witness a
change in who uses these technologies, not
only 'end' users, but also multiple sectors of
industry or so-called 'vertical' users," Azcorra
explained.
Founded by Telefónica and IMDEA Networks and
based in the latter institute, 5TONIC is an open
co-creation laboratory in 5G technologies that
brings together 5G technological leaders, such
as Ericsson, Intel, Carlos III University,
Commscope, Artesyn, Cohere and Interdigital.
"5TONIC is a Spanish public-private initiative
and a global leader in the development of 5G
technology, services and pilot studies," Arturo
Azcorra asserted. He also outlined the
laboratory's ongoing activities in the fields of e-
Health and the emergency services; AGVs
(Automatic Guided Vehicles); industry 4.0;
drones for agriculture; fair tourism (IFEMA /
FITUR), and the entertainment industry (4K
videos for television), among others.
During the presentation to members of 44
RedIRIS Working Groups, Azcorra explained the
importance of 5G services for the Spanish ICT
sector and the benefits of investment and
collaboration in ensuring that Spain has an
active role in shaping this global technological
change. 5G promises new markets for many of
the country's key economic sectors such as
energy, health, automotive, entertainment,
transport, tourism and manufacturing. This is
due, in large part, to the development of
radically new services and products and to the
substantial improvement to those already
commercially available.