ZTE, SoftBank ink R&D MOU

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ZTE Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SoftBank Corporation to collaborate on research and development on Pre5G mobile communications networks technology.

Under the MOU, the two companies will cooperate on R&D, evaluation and verification of mobile communications solutions based on ZTE’s Pre5G technology, including Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), according to a joint statement.

The agreement builds on existing cooperation between SoftBank and ZTE on technologies including Massive MIMO, UDN (Ultra-Dense Networks) and MUSA (Multi-User Shared Access).

ZTE’s Massive MIMO base stations have the capability to support more than 100 antenna elements, and provide higher space division multiplexing gains than traditional 8-antenna base stations without changing existing terminals or air interfaces, greatly enhancing spectrum utilization. With ZTE’s Massive MIMO base station, up to eight users can transfer data simultaneously, the tech company says.

Keiichi Makizono, Senior Vice President of SoftBank says “the technology being developed under this agreement will help define future Mobile Internet communications. In our plans to develop next-generation mobile networks, SoftBank will derive large benefits from the Pre5G collaboration with ZTE.”

Zhang Renjun, Senior Vice President of ZTE says “the agreement with SoftBank will add enormous value to ZTE’s technology alliances with our partners around the world on 5G research, as we are committed to building an industry ecosystem based on open collaboration. As a globally-leading provider of M-ICT mobile technologies, ZTE is making great investments in 5G to lead the industry in the development of this key technology of the future.”