The release of 3GPP Release 18 has ushered in 5G‑Advanced, also known as 5.5 G. This upgrade pushes wireless performance by integrating AI-driven automation, superior energy management, and expanded use case support.
Improved Massive MIMO and new handover techniques reduce interruptions and deliver higher throughput. Operators can manage uplink and downlink symmetrically—such as T‑Mobile’s 550 Mbps uplink demo using Release 17 uplink techniques—opening doors for real-time VR, cloud gaming, and content creation.
These upgrades directly support immersive media, such as extended reality (XR) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X), along with precise indoor positioning for industrial automation and asset tracking.
New-Friendly Devices and Broader Connectivity
5G‑Advanced boosts device compatibility. RedCap devices—low-cost, low-power IoT sensors and wearables—gain streamlined specifications, expanding cost-effective network access, including satellite connectivity and smart‑city use.
Features like “network sensing” make it possible to detect movement or obstacles using cellular signals without extra hardware. In Seville, MasOrange’s live deployment enabled precise tracking of machines, vehicles, or workers with under 10 cm accuracy and integrated private‑network AI for industrial, public‑safety, and surgical‑assistance use.
Network slicing becomes flexible: operators can dynamically tailor slices for gaming, logistics, safety, or autonomous vehicles.
Cutting Power Bills and Carbon Footprint
Efficiency features are part of Release 18. Base stations dynamically adjust transmit power and cycle off idle beams, leveraging lean RAN and intent-based optimization to reduce waste.
These innovation strategies align with broader goals to lower energy use and carbon emissions, an advantage as telecom providers face both ecological and economic pressure.
Advancing Network Intelligence
AI and ML now play central roles in radio‑access network (RAN) control. Release 18 offers tools for load-balancing, mobility control, and energy optimization driven by AI.
These tools feed into self-managing networks that adapt to demand in real time, such as gracefully throttling during idle periods, boosting capacity in crowded spots, or moving workload to reduce latency.
Private 5G for Complex Environments
Private 5G networks powered by 5G‑Advanced are now realistic for industrial, emergency, and defense settings. ATP Gov reports that lightweight 5G kits can be deployed in minutes to deliver local cellular voice, data, and Wi‑Fi services for secure coordination and remote communications.
Combined with satellite and ground links, these systems support uninterrupted operation in remote environments—ideal for emergency teams, field hospitals, or military units.
6G Preparations: Research in Motion
While 6G won’t go commercial until around 2030, research is well underway. Ericsson, Nokia, Qualcomm, and universities globally are working on components like terahertz radios, spectrum-sharing architecture, integration of sensing with communication, and AI-native network design.
The 6G Global Summit in Hong Kong and Spain’s Enable‑6G program highlight investments in MIMO advancements, mmWave experimentation, edge-AI distribution, and testbeds for manufacturing and autonomous-driving support.
These efforts aim to define 6G architecture by 2028, finalize standards via 3GPP Release 21, and deliver initial networks by 2030.
Quantum Meets Wireless
Quantum networks and 6G are also converging. Early-stage research explores how quantum techniques—QKD, sensing, and hybrid classical systems—might harden future wireless against interception and aid localization accuracy.
Trajectory Ahead
2025–26: Operators roll out private and public 5G‑Advanced systems. Energy savings, uplink speeds, awareness features, and fine-grained slicing deliver new services in manufacturing, health care, gaming, and mobility.
2025–28: AI-native RANs become mainstream. Labs and pilot operators validate early 6G foundations: terahertz, sensing-comm integration, open architectures.
2028–30: Release 21 locks down 6G standards. Commercial-focused rollouts begin, supporting global coverage and ultra-precise location and sensing.
Final Thoughts
5G‑Advanced is transforming existing networks, enabling intelligent management, better energy use, and enhanced device connectivity. Live demos and deployments—like T‑Mobile’s uplink record or Seville’s smart‑city pilot—show real-world gains.
Simultaneously, global efforts toward 6G are already building technical groundwork. Countries, companies, and labs are collaborating on terahertz radios, intelligent networks, spectrum-sharing, and sensor fusion. Research and standardization over the next five years will shape the next generation of connectivity ecosystems.
-Oliver Bennett
