The Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) is championing the development of 5G Reduced Capability, known as RedCap, by forming a focused group. This initiative is crucial for propelling 5G’s ecosystem forward, backed by industry giants like Ericsson, Huawei, Qualcomm, and MediaTek.
G REIGNS, HTC Group’s subsidiary, collaborates with Nissan to deploy a private 5G network, boosting augmented reality VR capabilities in manufacturing. This bespoke setup leverages HTC’s VIVE VR tech, revolutionizing design and production.
Apple’s iPhone C1 modem chip marks a major shift in reducing reliance on Qualcomm, targeting an 80% cut by 2026. The 4nm modem, debuting in the iPhone 16e, enhances network performance but lacks mmWave 5G.
Verizon’s recent 5G trial, in collaboration with Samsung and MediaTek, showcased download speeds of 5.5 Gbps using advanced carrier aggregation. This breakthrough highlights the potential of 5G technology for enhances solutions.
Du has announced an expanded partnership with Nokia to enhance its 5G network across the UAE. This collaboration enables the deployment of Nokia’s 5G AirScale Radio Access Network, aiming for improved energy efficiency and higher service demand catering.
Qualcomm has launched the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, an affordable 5G chipset designed to boost its market presence. Featuring a Gigabit-capable modem but fewer high-end features, it’s aimed at budget-friendly 5G smartphones. Qualcomm’s new chip targets a growing market of cost-conscious consumers, with Xiaomi set to release the first device using the new platform.
The Finnish telecommunications equipment provider Nokia and Swedish operator group Telia joined forces to conduct a trial assessing the utility of the 6 GHz spectrum for massive MIMO 5G. Their outdoor trial, held at Nokia’s Research and Development center in Espoo, Finland, featured the utilization of a 128TRX antenna based on Nokia’s AirScale Habrok radio and a test terminal from MediaTek equipped with integrated antennas. While specifics on speeds and feeds remain undisclosed, the trial reportedly proceeded successfully.
Nokia unveiled specialized, private AI models for the telecom sector to improve network operations and customer service. A coalition of 10 governments agreed on principles for secure 6G networks. IBM and the GSMA have launched a global AI training initiative to bridge the AI knowledge gap among telecom operators. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 modem chip introduces 5G-Advanced support with up to 10 Gbps speeds and six-carrier aggregation.
Recognizing the growing demand for mid-band spectrum, the International Telecom Union (ITU) appends new frequency bands for 5G usage. A significant addition was the 6GHZ spectrum, which is anticipated to facilitate the 5G evolution. Multiple global operators have conducted successful tests, making strides toward a seamless shift to 5G-Advanced. This advancement not only opens a myriad of industry opportunities but also promises an improved user experience potentially comparable to the fiber experience.
Telecommunication giant BT, in collaboration with Nokia and MediaTek, is exploring the potential of 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Recently conducted trials at BT’s research centre aimed at uncovering new use-cases for this technology, which, simplified and less complex than 4G, promises a more efficient IoT ecosystem. As suggested by BT’s Chief Networks Officer, Greg McCall, the RedCap technology could “unlock a new wave of innovation” within the 5G landscape.
