With 5G expected to reach consumers by 2020, the creators of the LTE World Series and 5G World Series have launched 5G Forum USA (14-15 April) to bring together C-level executives to examine the need for 5G, address what the network will look like, and explore how Mobile Network Operators will make the transition. As operators race to develop 5G network technology, there is still much debate and uncertainty over what this revolutionary technology is – the conference will examine this along with the opportunities for new business models and services which 5G will enable.

5G Forum USA is endorsed by the by 4G Americas, 5GPPP, 3GPP, NGNM, 5G Forum Korea & 5G World Alliance, and as a single track conference, will allow focussed discussions among top tier carriers, academics and research associations from across the world, towards shaping the future of 5G.

Latif Ladid, Founder and Chair, 5G World Alliance and IPv6 Forum President, said: “5G should not be just a 4G+1. Since the Internet and communications at large will be largely wireless, there is a new opportunity to revisit all protocols in the hour glass, from bottom to top, and design an end to end all-IPv6 networking for 5G to include all new technologies such as M2M, IoT, SDN, NFV, Fringe and Cloud Computing.”

The conference opening day will address the requirements for 5G, along with the technology and spectrum challenges the industry faces, kicking off with a market update from Chris Pearson, President of 4G Americas. This will be followed with the opening keynote panel which looks at defining 5G with Dr. Ron Marquardt, Vice President of Technology Innovation & Architecture, Sprint, USA; Hugh Bradlow, CTO, Telstra, Australia; and Jin-Hyo Park, Senior Vice President of Network R&D Center, SK Telecom, South Korea, who will explore 5G’s requirements with practical simulations and the challenges it brings.

The programme agenda boasts a stellar line-up of CxO and VP-level visionary speakers, who will join the conference to talk openly about 5G, explore what truly defines the revolutionary technology, and what the future holds. This includes Pari Bajpay, Vice President of Services Design and Development, AT&T, USA; Mark McDiarmid, Vice President, Radio Network Engineering and Development, T-Mobile USA; Fujio Watanabe, Director, Mobile Network Technology Group, DOCOMO Innovations, USA; Dr.Bernard Barnani, Deputy Head of Unit, European Commission, DG Connect and Dr. LEE. Hyeon Woo,Chair, Global Alliance- Subcommittee of 5G Forum, Korea, who will invite delegates to join discussions.

5G Forum USA will place a heavy focus on enterprise for 5G, beginning with a 5G Forum workshop, allowing delegates to learn first-hand from major enterprises, including Google, Toyota, Ford Motors and Orange Healthcare.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear directly from operators Tele2, Telenor Denmark and SK Telecom as they impart their knowledge and experiences of 5G technology. Alongside the event’s strong speaker line-up, 5G Forum USA will provide additional opportunities to delegates, including executive speed networking sessions and roundtables, which are a great opportunity for visitors looking for exclusive face time with the world’s thought leaders.