
Speaker during the Innovation in Leading Technology Companies and 2025 IEEE Jagadish Chandra Bose Medal in Wireless Communications recipient
Seizo Onoe has been a towering figure in mobile communication R&D, known for his technical expertise and leadership in both research and standardization. His contributions have been critical to the commercialization and global adoption of 3G and 4G systems, and have had a lasting impact on the evolution of mobile networks worldwide. The 2000s marked the rise of 3G, as multimedia communication on mobile phones surged due to increasing computer and internet usage. During this period, Onoe made significant technical contributions, including the development of a rapid cell search algorithm for the IMT-2000(W-CDMA) standards, which did not rely on other systems, such as GPS, making it easier to adopt for indoor coverage and reducing costs. He also played a key role in harmonizing different camps regarding the standards. As the 2010s ushered in the 4G era, higher capacity and a smooth transition from 3G to 4G became essential. Onoe was one of the first to propose the Super 3G Concept, which laid the groundwork for the evolution of 3G into what is now LTE. In the 3G era, multiple global standards existed, but Onoe recognized the potential for a unified 4G standard. He played a key role in the 3GPP standardization process, gathering input from major operators and stabilizing the core specifications that resulted in the global 4G standard, IMT-Advanced (LTE/LTE-Advanced). This unified standard streamlined R&D and deployment efforts, benefiting the entire mobile ecosystem and simplifying choices for users across the globe.
An IEEE Member, Onoe is Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, International Telecommunication Union, Geneva, Switzerland.