5G Advanced – What’s Next? (2025 and Beyond)
Global Trends: As 5G matures globally, the next step is the development of 5G Advanced. This evolution is expected to go beyond just faster speeds and low latency. It’s aimed at boosting network efficiency and enhancing the capabilities for future applications like autonomous vehicles, industrial IoT, and more sophisticated use cases of AI and machine learning.
5G Advanced Key Upgrades:
Improved Network Performance: Enhanced data rates, reliability, and latency improvements beyond the capabilities of 5G. Expected improvements will make 5G Advanced a crucial part of evolving technologies like autonomous transportation, industrial automation, and smart cities.
AI Integration: Networks will become more intelligent with AI/ML-driven optimizations, allowing for better spectrum utilization, faster network adaptation, and enhanced user experiences.
Extended Coverage: 5G Advanced will focus on providing more comprehensive coverage, including rural and remote areas in Australia, where current 5G deployments are limited.
Private Networks: Increased focus on private 5G networks for enterprise use. These will offer more security, flexibility, and tailored connectivity for industries like healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing.
Initiatives and Investments in Australia
Telstra: Telstra has been leading the 5G rollout and was one of the first to start testing 5G Advanced technologies. The company is focused on upgrading its network infrastructure and implementing technologies like AI and network slicing.
Optus: Optus is also a major player in 5G and is expected to focus on providing better coverage for regional areas and expanding the use of 5G for business applications.
Vodafone: Vodafone has focused its efforts on enhancing the 5G experience in metropolitan areas and is planning for more advanced 5G solutions for industries and enterprises.
Standardization and Industry Support
3GPP Standards: The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the body responsible for developing global standards for mobile networks, is expected to finalize the specifications for 5G Advanced in the coming years. The work started with Release 16 (focused on the 5G standard) and will continue to evolve with Release 17 and beyond, which will include 5G Advanced capabilities.
Australian Government & Innovation: The Australian government has also been encouraging the development of 5G through various initiatives and funding programs aimed at fostering innovation in the telecommunications sector.
Impact on Consumers and Businesses
As 5G Advanced is rolled out, consumers will experience improvements in mobile internet speed, reduced lag for real-time applications, and better connectivity in urban, suburban, and rural areas.Enterprises will benefit from the increased reliability and capabilities of 5G Advanced, supporting new business models, automation, and smart operations.
The transition from 5G to 5G Advanced in Australia will involve not just faster speeds but also enhanced network reliability, efficiency, and coverage. The rollout of 5G has already begun to reshape the telecommunications landscape, and 5G Advanced is expected to open new possibilities for both consumers and businesses. Australia’s telecom giants are well-positioned to lead this evolution with continued investments in infrastructure and innovation, supported by global standardization efforts and government initiatives.
