The signing on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today witnessed by Victorian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister John Lenders verifies the commitment of both parities to establish collaborative research projects.

Minister Lenders says the Government is taking action to support industry collaboration and strengthen research into broadband technologies in the state. “The signing of the MOU further highlights Victoria’s leadership in supporting and developing innovative and job creating technology, demonstrating why Victoria is the natural home for the National Broadband Network,” Mr Lenders says.

Director of IBES, Professor Rod Tucker, says the commitment to IBES from technology leaders such as Huawei, as well as the continuing support of the State Government of Victoria, ensures IBES will play a key role in the development of an Australian society is ready for a broadband-enabled future.

Huawei’s Chief Technology Officer, Peter Rossi says the company is proud to be supporting vital Australian ICT research.

“As a member of the IBES’ Industry Partner Program, we will work closely with the IBES to establish collaborative research projects in broadband technologies and applications that will enhance and make use of the National Broadband Network,” he says.

“Huawei has long demonstrated a commitment to R&D, having established more than 14 R&D centres in the US, Sweden, Russia, India, Japan and China. Each year around 10 percent of the company’s revenue is invested in Research and Development. The MOU with the IBES will allow for stronger local ICT research and innovation.”

IBES and Huawei will also explore the potential of establishing a joint Research and Development Centre in Melbourne.

About the Institute for a Broadband-Enabled Society (IBES)
IBES is a cross-disciplinary research institute at the University of Melbourne dedicated to technologies products, services, and innovations that maximize the benefit of broadband technologies to society. The Institute’s activities cover a wide range of fields including advanced broadband technologies, energy-efficient networking and cloud computing, content creation and delivery, delivery of remote health services and education, business and service transformation, social networking, and entertainment. For more information about IEBS, please visit: www.broadband.unimelb.edu.au

About Huawei
Huawei is a leader in providing next generation telecommunications networks, and now serves 36 of the world’s top 50 operators, along with over one billion users worldwide. The company is committed to providing innovative and customized products, services and solutions to create long-term value and growth potential for its customers. Visit www.huawei.com for more information.