As the buzz around 6G grows, a pressing question emerges: Is 6G inevitable, and will it surpass 5G? While advancements in 5G dominate current efforts, the discourse on the transition’s timing and necessity is gaining momentum. Significant investments are being funneled into enhancing networks, potentially redefining VoIP solutions.
Vodafone and A1 Group have achieved a major milestone by enabling seamless 5G Standalone roaming between networks. This breakthrough, powered by Ericsson’s technology and global standards, ensures secure, high-quality connectivity and sets the stage for enhanced mobile experiences across Europe and beyond.
Boost Mobile has integrated Nokia’s cloud-native 5G Voice Core to enhance automation and efficiency in its Open RAN network. This move consolidates IMS voice functions, cutting infrastructure costs by 70% and improving energy efficiency by up to 20%.
Eutelsat Group, MediaTek, and Airbus Defence and Space have successfully trialed 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This milestone paves the way for seamless satellite and terrestrial network integration, expanding global 5G accessibility.
Mavenir and Terrestar Solutions achieved a major milestone in satellite communications by completing a Voice over NB-IoT call using Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) on a 3GPP-standardized S-band spectrum. This breakthrough paves the way for NTN-based NB-IoT solutions, future 5G integration, and expanded connectivity.
The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has formed a new Industry Specification Group to explore 6G, focusing on Multiple Access Techniques (MAT). This initiative will improve transmission efficiency, spectrum utilization, and power efficiency, enhancing wireless networks.
Rakuten Mobile is amplifying its presence in the U.S. to push Open RAN forward, a key focus of the NTIA’s Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund. This move aims to strengthen the telecommunications supply chain and foster competition in the wireless sector.
In a remarkable innovation for VoIP, Deutsche Telekom, Skylo, and Qualcomm have successfully trialed Europe’s first satellite-borne SMS service directly to handsets. Utilizing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-80 5G Modem-RF System, this technology promises to enhance connectivity in remote areas.
AT&T will phase out its NB-IoT network, transitioning customers to LTE-M for greater data capacity and improved IoT services. The shift, set to complete by Q1 2025, reflects AT&T’s focus on advancing technology, including exploring 5G RedCap.
MediaTek has unveiled the Dimensity 9400, a powerful chipset built on TSMC’s 3nm process, delivering up to 40% better power efficiency and 35% faster single-core performance. Targeting edge-AI applications, it supports Wi-Fi 7, tri-fold smartphones, and advanced 5G connectivity.
