EU and China sign 5G partnership

The European Union and China have signed a “milestone” agreement on 5G – the next generation of communication networks.

Both parties have committed to “reciprocity and openness” in terms of access to 5G networks research funding, market access as well as in membership of Chinese and EU 5G associations.

China and the EU have agreed to reach an understanding by the end of the year on the concept, basic functionalities, key technologies and time plan for 5G.

They will also explore cooperating on and implementing joint research actions and will jointly promote global standardisation for 5G. They will also look at the services and applications for 5G, especially in the area of the Internet of Things (IoT).

“5G will be the backbone of our digital economies and societies worldwide. This is why we strongly support and seek a global consensus and cooperation on 5G. With today’s signature with China, the EU has now teamed up with the most important Asian partners in a global race to make 5G a reality by 2020. It’s a crucial step in making 5G a success,” said EU commissioner Günther Oettinger.