DOCOMO, Fujitsu and NEC Achieve World's First Carrier Aggregation Using 5G Frequency Bands on Multi-Vendor Radio Access
NetworkWill allow 4.2Gbps downlink speed for high-speed data communications
TOKYO, Sept 30, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC., Fujitsu Limited and NEC Corporation announced today that they
have achieved what they believe to be the world's first carrier aggregation using 5G frequency bands in a multi-vendor
radio access network (RAN). Interoperability with different vendors' 5G base station equipment was achieved in
compliance with specifications established by the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) Alliance, an international group
working to create more open and intelligent next-generation radio access networks.Carrier aggregation using 5G-frequency bands on multi-vendor RAN
Carrier aggregation was achieved using the 3.7GHz and 4.5GHz bands designated for 5G networks. In addition to this dual
connectivity achieved by bundling LTE bands, downlink speeds of 4.2 Gbps will be achievable, enabling ultra-fast data
transmission.
DOCOMO already provides commercial 5G services in Japan through a multi-vendor RAN that connects baseband units and
remote radio units manufactured by Fujitsu and NEC based on O-RAN?s open fronthaul specifications. The same system
configuration was used to achieve this 5G carrier aggregation.
Naoki Tani, Senior Vice President at DOCOMO, said: "The deployment of O-RAN-compliant products will enable DOCOMO to
flexibly build networks and provide 5G services that meet customer needs. Carrier aggregation furthering 5G high-speed
data communication in a multi-vendor RAN developed jointly with Fujitsu and NEC is an important achievement. DOCOMO will
continue to work with industry partners to promote open RAN and 5G services."
Shingo Mizuno, EVP and Vice Head of System Platform Business at Fujitsu, commented: "We are delighted to have succeeded
in achieving carrier aggregation for 5G high-speed data communication in an environment featuring interconnection of
multi-vendor equipment compliant with O-RAN specifications. This key milestone in the evolution of O-RAN will contribute
greatly to the delivery of convenient 5G services and RAN openness, which Fujitsu is actively supporting with the aim of
enhancing 5G services."
Atsuo Kawamura, Executive Vice President at NEC and President of the company's Network Services Business Unit, said:
"The success of carrier aggregation in the 5G bands is a critical step in the ongoing enhancement of 5G network
performance. I am very pleased that in collaboration with DOCOMO and Fujitsu we have now achieved high-performance O-RAN
multi-vendor connectivity. This will lay the foundation for more open 5G services and business."
The results of the interoperability verification were presented between September 25 and 30, during the O-RAN Plugfest
web conferences organized by the O-RAN Alliance. Plugfest was held concurrently in Japan, China, India, Europe, and
North America, facilitating proofs of concept and interoperability tests of O-RAN products and solutions.
Going forward, DOCOMO, Fujitsu, and NEC will continue working toward the early introduction of commercial 5G carrier
aggregation services.About NTT DOCOMO
NTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 79 million subscriptions, is one of the world's foremost
contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging
new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities ("+d" partners), creating exciting and convenient
value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO
is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond
their expectations. DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (9437). www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english.About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of
technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 130,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100
countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited
(TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.9 trillion yen (US$35 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020.
For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the
brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes
taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and
efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more
information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.