5G innovation centre early next year
Ericsson, the communications Technology Company in partnership with Dialog Axiata PLC along with the Telecommunication, Digital Infrastructure and Foreign Employment Ministry will set up Sri Lanka’s first state-of-the-art 5G innovation centre in Colombo by early next year.
“When 5G is launched early next year, we will also launch the centre,” Head of Ericsson Sri Lanka & Maldives, Vinod Samarawickrama told the Business Times. He said all the equipment and related services are available and they have zeroed in on a place as well. Last year October the three parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard.
He noted that 5G technology will cheer Sri Lankans to collaborate and create next generation IoT and ICT innovations, and supply the country’s digital footprint. He added that 5G technology alone could account for an increase in the value generation of Sri Lanka’s entire GDP.
He also added that a lot of start-up companies will benefit and this will also generate great ideas by young people. “This centre aims to improve efficiency, innovation and productivity and create new opportunities for capacity building in emerging 5G technology.” He said this centre will transform the country into a digital and knowledge-based society, driving new and increased employment opportunities enabled by ICT ecosystem innovations.
With the advent of 5G and the first few global launches underway, Ericsson is enabling service providers across the globe to deploy 5G, Mr. Samarawickrama added noting that Ericsson has deployed 5G across 18 live networks across four continents.
Ericsson’s network technology allows mobile service providers to smoothly evolve their networks in a step wise manner to minimise the time to market once they choose to switch on 5G, he said adding that as with past mobile generations, leading operators are eager to gain a first-mover advantage in 5G.
Mr. Samarawickrama noted that this centre will grant an opportunity for industry, society, and individuals to advance their digital ambitions, using 5G as a catalyst for innovation.