5G News Round-Up for the Week to 13 April 2025

Overview

This week’s 5G news highlights continued evolution of the technology and market dynamics, with significant developments in spectrum allocation, network deployment strategies, and regulatory matters.

Key themes include new spectrum opportunities, ongoing challenges in standalone 5G migration, and growing momentum in private 5G networks.

Spectrum & Infrastructure

MidWave Wireless announced its 1.4 GHz spectrum is ready for commercial use after completing necessary regulatory approvals. The spectrum is positioned as ideal for emergency services and critical infrastructure applications, though analysts remain cautious about major carrier interest given existing spectrum options.

The GSA launched a new group focused on supporting 5G RedCap development, with founding members including major vendors like Ericsson, Huawei, Qualcomm and MediaTek. RedCap technology, requiring 5G SA networks, aims to enable low-cost, low-power IoT devices.

Network Evolution & Deployment

A comprehensive market analysis reveals the telecom industry continues to face challenges in transitioning from non-standalone (NSA) to standalone (SA) 5G networks. While there are 348 5G NSA networks deployed globally, only 64 have launched SA capabilities. The report suggests SA dominance may not arrive until 2028/29.

Nokia and Telia achieved a significant milestone by completing the world’s first seamless 5G SA network slice handover across multiple national borders during a Nordic military exercise, demonstrating the potential for mission-critical communications.

Private Networks & Enterprise

The private wireless market showed unexpected strength, with Dell’Oro reporting over 40% growth in private 4G/5G RAN sales in 2024. The segment now represents 3-5% of total RAN sales, with projections for 15-20% annual growth through 2029.

Siemens announced a partnership with O2 Telefónica to sell optimized slices of public 5G networks to utilities in Germany, demonstrating a new approach to delivering private network capabilities over public infrastructure.

Suggested Reading

1. “The big 5G problem – SA migration, and the urgent quest for new revenue”
Highlight: Comprehensive analysis of industry’s NSA to SA transition challenges
Read more

2. “Private 5G catches market by surprise with 40% jump in sales”
Highlight: Detailed market analysis of private wireless growth
Read more

3. “MidWave did all the hard work. Now its 1.4 GHz spectrum ready for prime time”
Highlight: Analysis of new spectrum opportunities for 5G
Read more

4. “GSA forms special group to boost 5G RedCap development”
Highlight: Industry collaboration to advance RedCap technology
Read more

5. “Nokia puts limelight on crowd-pleasing 5G pact”
Highlight: Innovative use case for private 5G in event management
Read more