JTOWER and Foxconn entered into the agreement to develop a shared radio unit compatible with 5G millimeter wave -Complying with O-RAN spec and compatible with spectrums of 4 MNO We aim to launch a commercial service in 2H of FY2022-

JTOWER and Foxconn Technology Group (headquartered in Taiwan, “Foxconn”) have entered into the agreement to develop a shared radio unit for 5G millimeter wave (28GHz band) allocated to each MNO. The shared use of a radio unit compatible with 5G millimeter wave is a pioneering initiative in the industry. We aim to launch a commercial service in 2H of FY2022.
　
■Background of development
Since the launch of commercial 5G services in March 2020, MNO have been accelerating the development of 5G base stations. Starting with the introduction in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government headquarters building, we aim to expand 5G infra-sharing solution compatible with Sub6 frequency bands.
Meanwhile, among 5G bands, millimeter wave can take full advantage of 5G, high speed, low latency and mMTC (massive Machine Type Communications), requiring proactive use in the future. However, because of the high frequency band, radio waves are susceptible to obstacles and require more base stations.
　
■Realization of the radio unit sharing
Infra-Sharing solution we have provided so far has been the sharing of sites, antennas and MU/RU (the relaying device connected to each MNO’s radio unit). The shared radio unit corresponds to the bandwidth of 4 MNO and has the function of the radio unit which has been installed by each MNO until now and can share those functions. With the realization of the radio unit sharing, the installation of the radio unit by each MNO is no longer required in locations where JTOWER’s shared radio unit has been installed. This will enable us to provide additional values to MNO such as further reductions of CAPEX and OPEX.
　
[Reference: Comparison of Radio Unit Sharing with Previous Sharing]

*CU: Central Unit、DU: Distributed Unit
　
■Characteristics of New Shared Radio Unit
The shared radio unit, for which we entered into the agreement for development with Foxconn, is compatible with millimeter wave (28GHz band) allocated to 4 MNO. In addition to being compliant with O-RAN Alliance (Open Radio Access Network Alliance) specification which promotes Open RAN (which enables interconnection of different telecommunications equipment vendor products), the specification is also designed to reduce the size and weight of equipment. We anticipate installation in a wide range of location both indoor and outdoor, including concrete poles, electric poles, signals, smart poles (one of our solutions) and inside of buildings, and we intend to contribute to the flexible installation of base stations.
　
We anticipate that 5G will promote the transformation of industrial foundations, including not only the connectivity for everyday life communications, but also healthcare, transportations, and manufacturing platforms. Based on our track record and know-how, we will further strengthen our operation system in order to contribute to the development of an efficient 5G mobile network.
　
[Reference: The image of device and installation]
　
<Device>　

*This image will be the current appearance and may be changed
　
<Installation>

　
　
<About JTOWER>
JTOWER Inc. was founded in June 2012 as the first Infra-Sharing company in Japan. Centered on indoor Infra-Sharing solutions that consolidate the mobile networks inside the building, we are expanding the business field to outdoor such as tower sharing in rural areas and smart poles in urban areas. We are developing a wide range of services for the future under the vision of “Infra-Sharing Services from Japan Lead the World”.
https://en.jtower.co.jp/
　
<About Foxconn Technology Group>
Established in Taiwan in 1974, Foxconn is the leading technological solution provider and it continuously leverages its expertise in software and hardware to integrate its unique manufacturing systems with emerging technologies. The Group has expanded not only its capabilities into the development of electric devices, digital health and robotics, but also AI, semiconductors and new-generation communications technology which are key to driving its long-term growth strategy and the four core product pillars: Consumer Products, Enterprise Products, Computing Products and Components and Others.
https://www.foxconn.com/en-us/