The US government announced its $400 million Advanced Wireless Research Initiative, which is intended to “enable the deployment and use of four city-scale testing platforms for advanced wireless research over the next decade”.

Under the auspices of the National Science Foundation, the intention is to enable the US to keep up the pace in the mobile market generated by its launch of 4G services. And it follows moves by the Federal Communication Commission to make available spectrum for 4G services.

The new effort includes an $85 million investment in test platforms in a public/private effort; a $350 million investment over seven years in academic research which can use the platforms; and complementary efforts by other federal agencies.

“These platforms, and the fundamental research supported on them, will allow academics, entrepreneurs, and the wireless industry to test and develop advanced wireless technology ideas, some of which may translate into key future innovations for 5G and beyond,” a statement said.

The four city-wide test beds will essentially mimic existing mobile networks, enabling partners to “test, prove and refine” technologies in a real-world setting. The four cities, “chosen based on open competition”, will also have the chance to “establish themselves as global destinations for wireless research and development”.

A number of private sector companies have also stated their support, including AT&T, HTC, Intel, InterDigital, Juniper Networks, Keysight Technologies, Nokia (with Bell Labs), Oracle, Qualcomm, Samsung, Sprint, T-Mobile US and Verizon.