At the heart of the telecom revolution, major operators are looking beyond current 5G networks, focusing on an evolutionary leap known as “5.5G” or “5G Advanced.” The development was a hot topic at the recent Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, attracting the attention of global telecom leaders such as Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, BT and Vodafone. These companies are spearheading the next generation of mobile internet, promising to unlock a host of advanced applications beyond current imagination.
From 5G to 5.5G: Seamless evolution
While consumers are still adapting to 5G, the telecommunications industry is already moving towards 5.5G. This new phase is not just about increasing speed, but also enabling a wider range of applications, including mixed reality headsets, self-driving cars and smart manufacturing. Innovations like the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest Pro headsets are just the beginning, as 5.5G is expected to further bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds. Forecasts from the GSMA Mobile Think Tank indicate that the number of 5G connections will reach 1.6 billion by the end of 2023 and 5.5 billion by 2030, covering more than half of all mobile connections.
Future challenges and opportunities
The transition to 5.5G is not without challenges. Despite the rapid rollout of 5G networks, consumer penetration is still lower than expected. However, the industry remains optimistic and believes that 5.5G is the key to unlocking the full potential of mobile Internet. This includes leveraging lower latency to enable real-time applications critical in areas such as autonomous driving and the Internet of Things. The evolution to 5.5G requires significant investment and collaboration across the telecommunications industry to establish global standards and ensure interoperability.
The future is now: pioneering 5.5G
As the telecommunications world prepares for what’s next, early trials and collaborations hint at the transformative potential of 5.5G. STC Group’s successful 5G millimeter wave trials, achieving speeds in excess of 10Gbps, and TCL’s collaboration with Qualcomm on 5G RedCap technology demonstrate the industry’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. These advancements not only ensure unprecedented speeds and connectivity, but also pave the way for a new era of digital innovation and customer experience.
The journey from 5G to 5.5G marks a pivotal moment in the telecommunications industry, with the potential to redefine connectivity, boost economic growth and spur technological innovation on a global scale. As the world focuses on this sector, the promise of a more connected, efficient and innovative future is becoming increasingly clear.