5G wireless communication systems: prospects and challenges [Guest Editorial]

In the last year or so, significant momentum has started to build around the idea of a fifth generation (5G) for wireless communications technology. New research projects have started internationally, and research centers devoted to 5G technology have begun to open. At the ICC 2013 conference in Budapest, there were a number of keynote talks and special invited sessions addressing some of the key concepts around 5G technology. This Special Issue was created by IEEE Communications Magazine to help readers understand the current perspectives on 5G technology from both industry and academic standpoints.