Singtel, Ericsson and Singapore Polytechnic open first live 5G facility

The facility will serve as a training centre and laboratory to boost 5G adoption.

Telecommunications firms Singtel and Ericsson have partnered up with Singapore Polytechnic (SP) to open what they said to be Singapore’s first live 5G facility at SP’s Dover Road campus, an announcement revealed.

Dubbed as the 5G Garage, the facility will serve as a training centre, test bed and ideation laboratory to develop and drive the adoption of 5G by enterprises. According to the announcement, 5G Garage is connected to Singtel’s pilot 5G network located at Ayer Rajah and runs on 3.5GHz trial spectrum which was granted by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA).

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5G is expected to be the fastest generation of cellular technology to be rolled out on a global scale, and is set to transcend industries such as transportation, logistics, healthcare and manufacturing, according to Ericsson’s latest mobility report.

The three parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to build and operate the 5G facility, as well as co-develop and deliver 5G solutions to Singapore’s workforce. Additionally, the parties will develop a 5G wireless technology curriculum for SP’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

“As Singapore advances its digital economy and becomes a smart nation, the benefits of 5G will first be seen in enterprises, especially in their digital transformation when they integrate technology into their processes, services and products,” Singtel’s group chief technology officer Mark Chong said in a statement. “With 5G standards largely established, now is an opportune time for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and enterprises to join us in shaping the 5G future.”