The innovation of 5G mobile networks is shaping the future of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, representing a true technological revolution that will deliver the Internet of Things driven by R&D+i efforts such as ‘5TONIC’, Spain’s leading 5G innovation laboratory.

Professor Arturo Azcorra, Vice President of 5TONIC, recently presented its laboratory work at the 4th Mobility Forum of RedIRIS (the Spanish academic and research network). The main interests of 5TONIC concerns promoting technological development and the early implementation and penetration of 5G communications in the productive environment. At the moment 5G is a hot topic of discussion, attracting attention due to its role as 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 observed.

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 explained.

He added that the laboratory has 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 conference where members of 44 RedIRIS Working Groups took part, 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 opens new markets for many of the country’s key economic sectors such as energy, health, automotive, entertainment, transport, tourism and manufacturing. This goes hand in hand with the development of drastically new services and products and to the significant improvement to those already available in commerce.

Written by: Pietro Paolo Frigenti

Journal reference: IMDEA Networks Institute. (2017). 5G set to revolutionize communications and to transform industry. Retrieved online on December 11st, 2017 at http://www.networks.imdea.org/whats-new/news/2017/5g-set-revolutionize-communications-and-transform-industry