5G News Round-Up for the Week Ending: 27 October 2024

Here is the 5G news round-up for the week to 27 October 2024:

5G News Round Up for the Week to 27 October 2024

This week saw several major developments in the 5G space, including new private network deployments, spectrum strategy shifts, and continued momentum around open RAN and AI integration. Key themes included operators refining their spectrum portfolios, exploring new revenue opportunities through enterprise services, and preparing network infrastructure for AI and advanced 5G use cases.

Private 5G Networks Gain Traction

T-Mobile US announced a partnership with energy contractor Miller Electric Company to deploy a private 5G network for autonomous shuttles in Jacksonville, Florida. The network will enable real-time telemetry and audio/video feeds between the shuttles and a command center. This builds on T-Mobile’s private 5G offering launched two years ago and demonstrates growing enterprise interest in dedicated 5G networks.

Spectrum Strategy Shifts

T-Mobile US is relinquishing some of its mmWave spectrum holdings that it deems “not feasible” to deploy, focusing its mmWave strategy on high-density urban areas. This reflects the challenges of wide-scale mmWave deployment and a shift towards mid-band spectrum for broader 5G coverage.

AI and Advanced Use Cases Driving Network Evolution

A new report from Spirent Communications highlights how AI and generative AI are driving demand for faster network speeds, with operators moving to 400G connections to support edge AI and other advanced use cases. This underscores how 5G networks are evolving to enable more sophisticated applications.

Open RAN Progress Continues

Caroline Chan, newly appointed president of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), emphasised that open RAN momentum remains strong despite the industry’s growing focus on AI. She noted that TIP is embracing AI as part of its open network vision rather than viewing it as competition. This signals the ongoing convergence of open architectures and AI in next-generation networks.

Operators Target New Revenue Streams

Verizon outlined ambitious plans to double its fixed wireless access (FWA) subscribers to 8-9 million by 2028, leveraging its C-band and mmWave spectrum. The company is also expanding its fiber footprint through acquisitions. These moves highlight how operators are looking beyond traditional mobile services for growth opportunities enabled by 5G.

Suggested Reading

1. T-Mobile US connects shuttles to private 5G
Highlight: T-Mobile deploys private 5G for autonomous shuttles in Florida
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/t-mobile-us/t-mobile-us-connects-shuttles-to-private-5g/

2. AI driving the need for faster speeds
Highlight: AI and generative AI pushing operators to deploy faster network speeds
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/network-tech/ai-driving-the-need-for-faster-speeds-for-operators-enterprises/

3. Interview: TIP president Chan backs AI role in open RAN
Highlight: TIP embracing AI as part of open network vision
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/intel/interview-tip-president-chan-backs-ai-role-in-open-ran/

4. Verizon sets bold FWA goal
Highlight: Verizon targets 8-9 million FWA subscribers by 2028
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/verizon/verizon-sets-bold-fwa-goal/

5. AI and spatial computing at the human edge
Highlight: Qualcomm sees convergence of AI and XR as key opportunity
https://www.rcrwireless.com/20241022/ai-ml/ai-and-spatial-computing-at-the-human-edge