The future of how we connect is changing fast. 5G technology is evolving, and new solutions are coming. This article looks at where 5G is now, its future, and how it will change industries.

It also talks about other technologies like fiber, Wi-Fi, and satellites. These will help us connect even better in the future.

Key Takeaways

• The global 5G adoption is rapidly accelerating, with 340 million 5G subscriptions across 155 networks globally two years after the first 5G launch.
• 5G standards and capabilities, including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC), are enabling transformative applications in IoT, AR, and autonomous vehicles.
• 5G-Advanced, introduced through Release 18, will focus on providing an enhanced user experience, extending connectivity to new market segments, and improving operational efficiencies through AI/ML, convergence, and energy efficiency.
• The advancements in 5G-Advanced are expected to revolutionize industries like Industry 4.0, boosting global GDP by $1.2 trillion to $2 trillion by 2030.
• Connectivity technologies beyond 5G, such as fiber, Wi-Fi, and low-power wide-area networks, are also expanding, enabling a more comprehensive and robust connectivity ecosystem.

The Current State of 5G Adoption

The 5G network rollout has been faster than any previous mobile technology. In just two years, 340 million people worldwide have 5G subscriptions. This is compared to 25 million LTE subscriptions in a similar time frame.

Wireless providers have spent $39 billion in 2022 alone on 5G. Since 2018, they’ve invested over $160 billion. This shows how much the industry is committed to 5G.

Rapid Rollout and Adoption of 5G Networks

The first 5G network reached nationwide coverage quickly. It was 2x faster than 4G. Building 5G networks was 42% faster than 4G.

Now, over 330 million Americans have access to 5G. By 2028, 5G is expected to be used by 91% of wireless connections in the U.S.

5G Standards and Capabilities (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC)

The 3GPP standards body introduced 5G New Radio (NR) in Release 15. This created a new cellular system. It improved enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC).

These advancements have opened up new possibilities. We see intelligent mobility systems, smart cities, and new healthcare and industrial automation.

The fast adoption and advanced features of 5G are changing the game. They’re driving innovation and improvement in many fields.

5G Non-Standalone and Standalone Deployments

5G networks have two main paths: non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA). 5G NSA uses 4G LTE for service delivery. It supports enhanced mobile broadband and fixed wireless access. On the other hand, 5G SA has a dedicated 5G New Radio and a standalone 5G core network. This unlocks advanced capabilities.

5G Non-Standalone and Initial Use Cases

Non-standalone (NSA) 5G, or Release 15 by 3GPP, was the first choice for 5G deployment. It uses existing cellular infrastructure. By September 2023, only 47 Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) worldwide had commercial Standalone (SA) 5G deployments.

NSA 5G is a cost-effective way for carriers to move from 4G LTE to 5G. But, it doesn’t have all the features of SA networks. SA networks offer lower latency, better performance, and more efficient management.

5G Standalone and Advancement in Capabilities

5G Standalone (SA) mode has a dedicated 5G core network. It brings advanced features like network slicing and better IoT support. SA 5G is more expensive and takes longer to set up than NSA networks. But, it offers better network performance and efficiency.

The global economic downturn has slowed SA 5G deployments. But, its advanced features like enhanced mobile broadband and network slicing could lead to more revenue and ROI for carriers.

“The deployment of 5G networks has taken two distinct paths: non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) modes.”

5G Releases 16 and 17: Enhancements for IIoT and Industry 4.0

As 5G keeps growing, 3GPP’s 5G Releases 16 and 17 bring new features. They focus on making Industrial IoT (IIoT) better and helping Industry 4.0 change.

Release 16 starts with time-sensitive communication, key for industrial automation. It uses Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC) for high reliability. It also introduces 5G NR-U for unlicensed spectrum, giving more capacity for networks.

Release 17 adds more to these features. It improves Time-Sensitive Communication (TSC) to work well with IEEE Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). This makes communication fast and reliable, perfect for factory automation and professional audio/video.

These updates in 5G Releases 16 and 17 help mobile operators serve industrial needs. This includes mining, transportation, and digitalizing enterprises. It boosts productivity and efficiency in the Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0 era.

Introducing 5G-Advanced: Release 18

The launch of 5G Release 18 brings us into the 5G-Advanced era. This era brings more improvements to the 5G technology. It aims to make connectivity better for both people and machines.

It focuses on better uplink throughput, less service interruption, and better digital experiences. This includes XR, VR, and AR.

Experience: Improved Connectivity for People and Machines

With 5G-Advanced, users will enjoy a smoother and more immersive experience. It introduces evolved Massive MIMO technology for better spectral efficiency. It also supports sub-band full-duplex mode for better uplink and downlink performance.

Also, 5G-Advanced brings Reduced Capacity 5G NR-Light devices. These devices make 5G connectivity available for more IoT applications.

Expansion: Enabling New Services Beyond Traditional Communication

5G-Advanced also opens up new services beyond just communication. It offers advanced positioning with sub-10cm accuracy and time synchronization as a service. This benefits smart power grids, industrial automation, and financial transactions.

It also strengthens support for Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) and Machine-Type Communication (mMTC). This prepares the way for new applications in various sectors.

As we look forward to 6G in the 2030s, 5G-Advanced is a crucial step. It introduces improvements that will get the 5G ecosystem ready for the future.

Extension: Extending Connectivity’s Reach

5G-Advanced aims to make connectivity available to more people. It will improve coverage and support new technologies like drones and non-terrestrial networks. This will help bring broadband to rural areas, opening up new economic opportunities.

It’s also key for driverless cars and robots. As we digitize more, reliable connectivity is crucial everywhere.

Connectivity for Rural and Underserved Areas

Experts say we’ll see more use of connectivity reach and coverage extension soon. Dell’Oro Group predicts vRAN will grow to $3 billion to $5 billion by 2025. Open RAN shipments will hit over 1 million in five years.

The digital divide is a big challenge. But, by 2030, non-terrestrial networks will cover 80 percent of rural areas globally. Africa will be the exception, with only a quarter covered.

Integrating Satellite Internet and 5G

5G focuses on cities, but satellite internet can reach remote areas. It covers the globe, but faces latency and bandwidth issues. Combining satellite and 5G could solve these problems.

This mix will offer wide coverage and fast speeds. It will boost applications like telemedicine and disaster recovery.

“Enhanced connectivity in agriculture could potentially add over $500 billion to global GDP and improve industry productivity by 7 to 9 percent by the end of the decade.”

Expanding connectivity’s reach will change everything. It will bridge the digital divide and open new opportunities. As we connect more, we’ll see big changes in how we live and work.

Operational Excellence: AI/ML, Convergence, and Energy Efficiency

The industry is looking forward to 5G-Advanced in 2025. It will focus on AI/ML, network convergence, and energy efficiency. These will help mobile operators offer advanced services in a green and affordable way.

5G-Advanced will bring big changes, like better energy use. It will also improve network slicing and wireline-wireless convergence. AI/ML will help manage resources and save power, making services better for users.

5G-Advanced will support many industries, like smart grids and agriculture. It will also help with finance and energy needs. Service providers will be able to manage networks better for everyone.

Nokia’s plan for 5G-Advanced focuses on four key areas. These are experience, expansion, extension, and operational excellence. This way, mobile operators can meet different needs with innovative and green solutions.

The path to 5G-Advanced is a big step in advanced connectivity. It focuses on making networks better with AI/ML, convergence, and energy efficiency. This will help mobile operators meet the needs of many users and industries.

“5G-Advanced will enhance network capabilities in dimensions such as experience, expansion, extension, and operational excellence.”

Advanced Connectivity: The expansion of 5G and other connectivity technologies

The world of connectivity is changing fast. New technologies are coming along with 5G. These new solutions are making digital services better and easier to use.

Advanced Connectivity: Fiber, Wi-Fi, LPWANs, and More

Fiber optic networks are growing fast. They give us super-fast, reliable internet. Wi-Fi 6 is also improving wireless connections, making them faster and more efficient.

LPWANs are connecting lots of devices. They use wireless signals that last a long time and don’t use much power. These technologies are making our digital lives better.

They are closing the gap between the digital and real worlds. As we need better internet, these techs will help us get there.

Frontier Connectivity: High-Band 5G and LEO Satellites

New techs like high-band 5G and LEO satellites are pushing the limits of connectivity. High-band 5G can give us speeds like fiber without wires. LEO satellites aim to bring internet to the whole world, even the farthest places.

These new techs are changing how we think about internet. They make it possible to have fast internet everywhere. It’s like something out of a sci-fi movie.

“The expansion of connectivity technologies is transforming how we access and utilize digital services, ushering in a new era of seamless, high-performance connectivity.”

Use Cases and Value Potential Across Industries

5G and other connectivity technologies are changing many industries. They bring new uses like smart cars and health devices. These changes are making a big impact.

Intelligent Mobility Systems and Automotive

In cars and transportation, 5G is making systems smarter. It helps cars talk to each other and roads, making travel safer and smoother. Car companies can also offer new services and updates without going to the shop.

Transforming Healthcare with Connected Devices

Healthcare is getting a big boost from 5G. It lets doctors monitor patients in real time and do surgeries remotely. This means faster and better care for everyone.

Manufacturing, Retail, and Other Commercial Domains

5G is also changing how we make things and shop. In factories, it makes machines work better together. In stores, it offers better shopping experiences with virtual try-ons and special deals.

5G and other tech have huge potential in many areas. Companies using these technologies will grow and stay ahead of the competition.

Conclusion

The future of communication, work, and life is changing with 5G technology. 5G-Advanced brings new abilities like better experiences and faster connections. This will open up new possibilities and change many industries.

By using connectivity future, 5G evolution, and advanced connectivity benefits, we can achieve great things. Businesses and people will see big improvements in productivity and innovation.

As 5G networks grow, we’ll see big changes in many areas. From better traffic systems to smarter healthcare, the future looks bright. These new technologies will help us solve big problems and improve life for everyone.

In the next few years, 5G will keep getting better and more people will use 5G-Advanced. This will bring us new chances for growth and progress. We’re on the edge of a new era where we’ll connect and work together in new ways.