5G News Round-Up for the Week Ending: 17 November 2024

Here is the 5G news round-up for the week to 17 November 2024:

5G News Round Up for the Week to 17 November 2024

This week saw significant developments in AI applications for 5G networks, spectrum auctions, open RAN progress, and private network growth. Key themes included the convergence of AI and 5G, continued industry collaboration on open and disaggregated networks, and efforts to expand 5G coverage and monetisation.

AI Emerges as Key 5G Application

Nvidia highlighted AI as the “killer app” for 5G, with telecom operators among the biggest users and beneficiaries so far. AI is being employed beyond initial network uses to enhance customer experience and internal operations. Nvidia cited examples of significant efficiency gains and ROI improvements from AI applications in areas like customer support and RAN optimisation.

SoftBank announced plans to build Japan’s most powerful AI supercomputer using Nvidia chips, to be used for its own AI development and to support universities and businesses. SoftBank also conducted the world’s first AI-5G RAN outdoor trial, demonstrating the potential for base stations to run AI and 5G workloads simultaneously.

Spectrum and Coverage Expansion

UK regulator Ofcom published final draft regulations for a mmWave spectrum auction planned for 2025, covering the 26GHz and 40GHz bands. The auction will focus on major towns and cities, with spectrum suitable for high-capacity, dense urban deployments.

In the US, EchoStar’s Boost Mobile outlined plans to cover 80% of the US population with its 5G network by end of 2024, up from 70% currently. The company aims to deploy 24,000 towers by June 2025 as it positions itself to compete more aggressively with major carriers.

Open RAN Progress

The Telecom Infra Project (TIP) reported growing momentum for open RAN, with 40 product badges issued so far in 2024. TIP also highlighted progress on end-to-end testing, IP over DWDM, and open Wi-Fi initiatives.

Vodafone’s head of open RAN declared the technology ready for prime time, citing good KPIs and technical performance in the company’s deployments. However, he noted increased complexity in working with multiple vendors compared to traditional single-vendor approaches.

Private Networks Set for Growth

Research firm SNS Telecom predicted global revenue for 4G and 5G private network infrastructure would reach $6 billion by 2027, double the 2023 figure. Close to 60% of investments are expected to come from standalone 5G private networks supporting Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Swisscom and Ericsson announced a partnership to develop private 5G network offerings for Swiss industries, aiming to enhance productivity and reduce costs through easily integrated solutions.

Suggested Reading

1. Nvidia reveals the killer app of 5G
Highlight: AI emerges as key 5G application with significant efficiency gains
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/nvidia/nvidia-reveals-the-killer-app-of-5g/

2. Ofcom moves ahead with 2025 mmWave auction plan
Highlight: UK regulator finalises rules for upcoming 26GHz and 40GHz spectrum auction
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/europe/ofcom-moves-ahead-with-2025-mmwave-auction-plan/

3. SoftBank teams with Nvidia on supercomputer, AI-RAN
Highlight: SoftBank to build Japan’s most powerful AI supercomputer, conducts AI-5G RAN trial
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/softbank/softbank-teams-with-nvidia-on-supercomputer-ai-ran/

4. TIP execs outline open RAN momentum as AI enters fray
Highlight: Telecom Infra Project reports progress on open RAN, Wi-Fi initiatives
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/ai-cloud/tip-execs-outline-open-ran-momentum-as-ai-enters-fray/

5. SNS Telecom tips big boost for private network revenue
Highlight: Private 5G network revenue predicted to double by 2027, reaching $6 billion
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/network-tech/sns-telecom-tips-big-boost-for-private-network-revenue/