Batelco Bahrain and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) have announced an MoU to join forces and collaborate on the development of 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) use cases. The agreement will help drive innovation and early IoT applications on 5G mobile network technology based on the market requirements in Bahrain.

The primary objective of the collaboration is to develop a joint understanding of 5G use cases, requirements and deployment scenarios, as well as to evaluate performance and applicability of potential 5G key technology components.

Under the new agreement, Batelco Bahrain and Ericsson will jointly recognize and develop proof of concepts for feasible use cases to meet the needs of industries in Bahrain. The two companies will also collaborate on corresponding vertical use cases and will implement narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) for massive machine-type communication while advancing cloud architecture to enable 5G and NB-IoT technologies. The aim is to trial 5G capable radio technology and 5G Plug-in software in the existing 4G networks.

Muna Al Hashemi, CEO, Batelco Bahrain, says: “Part of our commitment to the people and industries in Bahrain is to create new possibilities by continuously upgrading our platforms and offering cutting-edge technology. Through this collaboration with Ericsson, we aim to take significant steps into the future of connected devices, as a technology leader that empowers the transformation of Bahrain’s industries and society.”

Ericsson 5G Radio Prototypes are the first products designed to enable operators to conduct live field trials in their own networks. Ericsson enables operators to move beyond the 5G hype of lab-based speed tests and gain a greater understanding of the potential for 5G in their own network environments and markets.

Rafiah Ibrahim, Head of Ericsson Region Middle East and East Africa, says: “As 5G technology expands and evolves over the coming years, collaboration amongst the industry players is key to set the foundation for the Networked Society, where anything that can benefit from a connection, will be connected. We are happy to collaborate with our partner Batelco to empower people, business and society in Bahrain to pave the way for advanced and innovative technologies that 5G will enable.”

Batelco Bahrain, an early adopter of LTE with commercial launch in December 2011, has been serving corporate and consumer markets through the delivery of advanced fixed and wireless telecommunications solutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and together with Ericsson, recently delivered LTE-Advanced and VoLTE.