Ericsson and Intel Launch 5G Innovators Initiative with Honeywell, GE and the University of California Berkeley

• 5G Innovators Initiative (5GI²) brings together leading technology companies, industry leaders and academia to explore, test and innovate with 5G network and distributed edge technology in the U.S. 
• Unique proof-of-concept approach promises to find new transformative ways for companies and societies to use 5G technology by delivering proven proven-application blue prints 

The first industry segment to be explored is Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT); Honeywell, GE and the University of California - Berkeley join as initial participants in open industry initiative 

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 21, 2017 - Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and Intel Corporation are launching the 5G Innovators Initiative (5GI²), an open industry initiative designed to create transformative experiences that change lives, businesses and society. The 5GI² will join major equipment manufacturers, leading technology companies, industry leaders and top universities to explore, test and innovate with 5G network and distributed edge technologies to accelerate the adoption of 5G wireless and infrastructure innovation in the United States. Honeywell, GE and the University of California - Berkeley are the first participants to join the initiative.

The 5GI² will first focus on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) and develop pilots for application of technologies including augmented and virtual reality for first responder drone surveillance of hazardous environments and other uses. The pilots will include step-by-step blueprints of the network, cloud and 5G connectivity requirements - from speed and responsiveness to security and analytics. As other participants join, the pilots are expected to expand to other industries where 5G will enable societal improvements, such as autonomous driving, smart and connected cities, healthcare and media. The pilots will also facilitate accessibility and transparency of results, encouraging progress in support of 5G industry standards and validation of new business models.

Ulf Ewaldsson, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer of Ericsson, says, "This program is totally in line with Ericsson's already established 5G programs, such as 5G for Sweden and 5G for Europe. This collaboration brings together necessary competence from technology providers, industry partners and academia to find sustainable solutions to digitize and transform other industries."