Welcome to the future with 5G

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the European Conference on Networks and Communications (EuCNC’2017), the 26th edition in the series. We have no doubt that once again, this conference will be a most enjoyable and memorable event.

The host city, Oulu, is one of the leading wireless technology hubs globally. The first analog NMT network, the first GSM and WCDMA calls, the first open 5G test network are some of the highlights where the local wireless community have had key roles. Oulu has a vivid community of about 800 high-tech companies, employing 15 000 people. Most of the companies are located right next to University campus. It clearly shows that academic-industry collaboration is the root of industry competitiveness, economic growth and job creation.

As we are entering into the preparation of the next Framework Programme, EuCNC is a very timely event to further demonstrate the value of European research and innovation in the strategic domain of future communication and ICT services infrastructures. The theme for EuCNC’17 is “5G – European Roadmap, Global Impact”. It reflects well the systematic development of network connectivity technologies in Europe and provides a clear focus towards 5G technology validation and deployment, an area where Europe is a leader in the field. This role is a must to ensure a sustainable economy, to improve quality of life and jobs of European Citizens, and to successfully compete in a global digital economy.

Europe has to be active on 5G trials and pilot deployment and enable the new ecosystems and 5G business cases to arise in the area, such as the Internet of Things (IoT). To this end, on-going cooperation and partnerships with verticals industries are required, such as those initiated with the automotive industry.

Initiatives are on-going worldwide, and the programme assembled for this conference will provide valuable views also on the global actions. All this is valid regarding the policy objectives set by the Commission through the 5G Action Plan, targeting 5G deployment as early as 2020.

The first day of the event is devoted to workshops and tutorials. From Tuesday onwards we’ll enjoy five exciting keynotes, seven parallel technical sessions featuring six technical tracks, three panels sessions and two poster sessions. At the time of the event, guests will have a unique chance to enjoy white nights of North – when the city never sleeps.

We wish you a very fruitful and enjoyable EUCNC’2017.

Welcome to Oulu!

Pekka Soini & Pearse O’Donohue

(Conference General Co-Chairs)