With “4G” networks using LTE-Advanced enhancements rolling out rapidly across parts of the developed world, the mobile telecom market has turned its gaze toward “5G” technology. While most deployment forecasts of networks using standardized 5G technology are currently focused post-2020, industry carriers and vendors are looking to lock up at least a start on those standards within the next 12 to 18 months.

According to Thelander an AT&T-led group wanting to get some form of 5G standards on the books by the end of 2017, which is well ahead of 3GPP’s initial timeline of mid-2018, incited the disagreement. The move was explained by the carrier as it needing more time for testing some of the standards to be ready for mid-2018.

Verizon Communications, which itself is seen by some as aggressively pushing its own 5G agenda tied to plans for network trials beginning in 2017, produced a counter-proposal stating it would like to keep the schedule as is.