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Highlights from XGMF's Conference to Advance Millimetre Wave Technology

On April 1, 2024, two of Japan's leading connectivity organizations—the 5G Mobile Promotion Forum (5GMF) and the Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium (B5GPC)—joined forces to create the XG Mobile Promotion Forum (XGMF). This merger symbolizes a pivotal step in accelerating the adoption of next-generation wireless technologies.

In May 2024, XGMF's Millimeter Wave Promotion Ad Hoc (Millimeter Wave AH) hosted the International Workshop on Millimeter Wave Dissemination for 5G. This event aimed to foster the adoption of millimeter wave (mmWave) technology in Japan and beyond, drawing an audience of approximately 200 attendees and broadcasting in both English and Japanese.

The workshop featured opening remarks by Mr. Naohiko Ogiwara, Director of the Radio Department, Telecommunications Infrastructure Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). Key speakers included:

  • Mr. Takanori Mashiko (MIC, slides)
  • Mr. Sam Gielges (Qualcomm, online - no slides)
  • Mr. Christopher Price (Ericsson, slides)
  • Mr. Mike Smathers (Nokia, online - no slides)
  • Mr. Daniel Liu (Taiwan Information Industry Development Association, slides)
  • Mr. Tetsuya Fukuhara (NHK Enterprises, slides)

The discussions revolved around the Japanese government and industry efforts to promote mmWave technology, as well as its future applications. You can watch the videos from first three talks here and the last three talks here.

A dynamic panel discussion moderated by Mr. Takehiro Nakamura, Millimeter Wave AH Chief Director, further explored these themes, with contributions from Millimeter Wave AH Deputy Chief Director Mr. Masakazu Shirota and other experts. The video of that is available here.

At the exhibition booth, XGMF and co-exhibitors such as Qualcomm Japan, NTT Docomo, Fujikura, KDDI Smart Drone, and Murata Manufacturing showcased the potential of the mmWave spectrum. Presentations and demonstrations using commercial equipment highlighted how this technology can advance both 5G and Local 5G networks. For those interested in exploring these efforts further, check out the workshop photos here.

A cornerstone of XGMF's efforts, Version 4.0 of the XGMF White Paper: "Advancement of 5G through Millimeter Wave Penetration", was recently released. Prepared by the ODAIBA IX Core Project, this document provides a comprehensive overview of mmWave deployment, challenges, technologies, use cases, and solutions essential for its adoption.

The white paper aims to support mmWave penetration globally and facilitate the development of a thriving ecosystem. It serves as an invaluable resource for industry professionals and policymakers alike. You can access the white paper here.

By uniting government initiatives, industry innovation, and global collaboration, XGMF is paving the way for a connected future powered by the boundless potential of millimeter wave technology. 

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