The European Union and China on Monday agreed to work together to develop and promote 5G technologies.
Under the partnership, both sides have committed to maintaining bilateral access to research funding for players from Europe and China.
The parties will also cooperate on promoting standardisation, and identifying and allocating spectrum. They will also explore the possibility of implementing joint research projects focused on 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).
By the end of 2015, the EU and China aim to have agreed the concept, basic functionalities, key technologies, and timeframe for 5G.
The partnership agreement was signed by Miao Wei, China’s minister of industry and information technology, and the EU’s digital economy and society commissioner Günther Oettinger. It is similar in scope to deals signed between the EU and South Korea in June 2014, and between the EU and Japan in May this year.
"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," Oettinger said.
"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."
According to the EU, China will be a "major player" in the development of 5G, and potentially the world’s largest market for 5G technologies, products and services.
"Under this agreement, EU companies, particularly the EU telecoms and ICT industry, are likely to have easier access to the Chinese market. In particular, European companies will be able to access and participate in China’s publicly funded 5G research, development and innovation initiatives on the same terms as Chinese companies currently participate in the EU’s 5G activities," the EU said.
