Telcos Discussing '5.5G' as 5G Networks Continue to Roll Out
Austin JayThe next chapter within wireless communication technology, termed "5.5G" or "5G Advanced," has already been discussed by industry leaders. Information on this was shown at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Big bosses from major phone companies, like Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, BT, and Vodafone, met to share their thoughts about how mobile internet will progress.
Even if attempts are being made to build 5G networks worldwide, the big telecom companies are focusing on the improvements that 5.5G offers. These conversations occurred during the Mobile World Congress, focusing on the possibility of even higher speeds and-more importantly-better telecom monetization options.
While 5G has made significant strides since its initial rollout in 2019, reaching over 1.6 billion connections by the end of 2023, its consumer penetration remains below mainstream. Telcos have invested heavily in 5G networks, anticipating returns through applications like driverless cars and unpiloted air taxis enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT).
5G Advanced, often referred to as the next evolution of 5G, is marked as 'release 18' in the standards-setting system of 3GPP, the body responsible for defining technical rules and ensuring interoperability globally. The primary goals of developing 5.5G standards include expanding into vertical markets, resolving deployment challenges, and evolving technology to transition to 6G.
According to Milind Kulkarni, Vice President of InterDigital's wireless labs, the focus of 5G Advanced is to increase commercial relevance by catering to diverse enterprise verticals. Notable features include network slicing, integration of private and public networks, enhanced positioning, and application-specific features for each enterprise vertical.
Also Read: Apple Card Savings Account Expands Balance Limit To $1 Million
Howard Watson, CTO of British telecom giant BT, highlighted that 5.5G promises faster uplink speeds, a crucial factor for data-intensive activities such as video streaming, online posting, and multiplayer gaming. The advancements also include making networks more intelligent through integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, along with improved performance and reduced power consumption.
Mats Granryd, Director General of GSMA, expressed the hope that the industry can sustain the 5G environment for an extended period to capitalize on and monetize the technology entirely.
Granryd emphasized the unique nature of 5G, primarily directed towards business-to-business applications, which requires a more prolonged adoption than previous generations.
According to Huawei, one of the most giant telecom corporations, commercial 5.5G rollouts are anticipated to start in 2024. The company is actively working on 5.5G network deployments with operators in Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.
Although some customers might not be convinced to switch from 5G to 5.5G, professionals emphasize the importance of adequately explaining 5.5G's use cases to the general public.
Huawei's Chief Marketing Officer of the Carrier Business Group, Philip Song, stressed that carriers must recognize solutions and successfully inform customers about the advantages of 5.5G.
A lot is expected from 5.5G, including better network options, quicker speeds, and the ability to run futuristic apps. As it occurs in 2024, the ensuing years have the potential to drastically alter mobile communications and pave the path for networks that are more intelligent, profitable, and efficient. Commercial rollouts are scheduled for 2024. Thus, the next several years could see a revolution in mobile technology that will result in more sophisticated networks that people can use more effectively and that businesses can charge for.
While we wait to see what 5.5G can accomplish, many believe it will revolutionize how we connect and pave the way for technologies we haven't even considered yet.
Related Article: Xiaomi Reveals HyperOS Roadmap: Phone Update Soon For Apple-Inspired Android Experience
most read
related stories
more stories from News
Discover innovative post ideas and expert tips to engage your audience and drive sales. Read now and make this Mother's Day unforgettable!
ernest hamiltonUnveiling OnePlus' controversial move! Are they really sneaking unwanted apps onto their latest flagship phones? Read now for all the details about this bloatware!"
ernest hamiltonDiscover the ultimate arsenal of digital tools for modern moms! Explore this curated list of 10 essential smartphone apps designed to simplify parenting tasks, organizing schedules, tracking developmental milestones and discovering family-friendly activities.
ernest hamiltonDiscover the latest Google Pixel update! Get the scoop on security, stability, and build numbers. Don't miss out, read now to know how you can elevate your Pixel experience.
ernest hamiltonKnow the latest on TikTok's battle against misogyny and harassment as Tobias Henning leaves the company. Read the story now.
ernest hamiltonStay updated! Google Messages Beta introduces a fresh Gallery Picker UI. Explore it now for enhanced messaging experience.
ernest hamiltonExciting news! Samsung has begun developing One UI 7.0 Beta, based on Android 15, for the Galaxy S24 series. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
ernest hamiltonStay tuned for Pixel 8a's first update, introducing Google's AI Wallpaper Generator! Don't miss out on this exciting feature.
ernest hamilton