Sivers IMA has announced a “5G millimeter wave partnership” with a European supplier of licensed point-to-multipoint networks that use microwave and millimeter wave radio links. Sivers will support the development of the unnamed partner’s systems for 5G, providing early access to Sivers’ millimeter wave ICs.

System studies and early development activities have started, with Sivers scheduled to deliver the first components for prototypes and proof-of-concept demonstrations during the fourth quarter of this year (2018).

According to Sivers, the partner has a large and global installed base of point to multipoint systems.

“The company has been instrumental in delivering powerful millimeter wave connectivity solutions throughout the world and boasts many of the top tier operators as customers. As a complement to the earlier announced partnerships, this will be a close cooperation with a company that has been an active and driving source in the point-to-multipoint market for micro- and millimeter wave for a long time.” — Anders Storm, CEO of Sivers IMA

Ericsson forecasts the number of 5G subscriptions will reach 1 billion by the end of 2023, expected to accelerate from 2020 to cover more than 20 percent of the world’s population by 2023. Millimeter wave technology will be integral to 5G networks, used for backhaul, fronthaul, small cells and fixed wireless access.