User equipment (UE)-related working groups (WGs) constitute 80% of the total participation in the 3GPP standardization, according to ABI Research. These innovative contributors include network infrastructure vendors, chipset vendors, network service providers, UE suppliers, and government and academic institutions.
Standing at the forefront of the communications evolution, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) continues to drive technological advancements in the 5G era.
The impending completion of the 3GPP Release 19 in 2025 demonstrates a major revolution in the telecommunications industry, delivering significant improvements in critical areas that improve the overall user experience.
With Release 18 already implemented and Release 19 on the horizon, the telecom industry is bound to experience substantial advancements that will reshape global communications.
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Release 18: Setting the Foundation of 5G-Advanced
The 3GPP Release 18, officially branded as the first version of 5G-Advanced (5G-A), has introduced significant enhancements in existing 5G networks, lowering latency and improving connectivity speeds and coverage.
The release, which made waves in the industry, delivers improved support and access to non-terrestrial networks (NTN), such as satellite communications, expanding network coverage to remote and underserved areas.
The release also supports substantial improvements to the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem and Machine-Type Communication (MTC), fostering widespread innovation across various industries.
At the heart of Release 18 lies the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which supports groundbreaking innovations and improves overall network efficiency.
Advanced antenna technologies are also being explored through Massive MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) and beamforming. These advancements facilitate higher data rates and improved network coverage, enabling a more responsive user experience.
Network slicing, one of the main features of the 5G era, will also be enhanced, enabling operators to allocate resources more effectively. This improvement ultimately leads to enhanced network performance and reliability in different use cases.
Key enhancements in enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) are helping to deliver high-bandwidth services, such as video streaming, online gaming, and virtual reality.
The growing demand for extended reality (XR) applications is also being addressed through Release 18, improving users’ immersive experiences while delivering new possibilities that will transform the overall user experience.
In addition, energy efficiency will be significantly enhanced given Release 18’s power-saving features, enabling longer battery life and reducing the technology’s environmental impact. This feature paves the way for operators to achieve sustainability goals more efficiently.
New cases have also been enabled, such as ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), which provides real-time services that require high reliability, low latency, and high availability for mission-critical applications.
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Release 19: Unleashing the Full Potential of 5G-A
Following 3GPP Release 18, Release 19 is set to unleash the full potential of 5G-A while addressing the critical needs in commercial deployment to improve network performance.
This upcoming release will build on the enhancements delivered by Release 18, pushing the boundaries of 5G technology and laying the groundwork for cutting-edge features that will determine the future of connectivity.
Release 19 is poised to usher in the 6G era and introduce innovative cutting-edge solutions the world has never seen before.
A notable focus of this release is the expanded integration of AI and ML, particularly in optimizing mobility and improving network performance and end-user experience in private enterprises.
According to global technology company, Ericsson, Release 19 is set to support massive MIMO and accelerate 5G beam management.
Energy efficiency remains a crucial area, with 87% of the operators’ energy usage being consumed by radio access networks (RAN), according to a GSMA report.
Release 19 is poised to deliver IMS real-time communications, transcending beyond the capabilities of existing communications. This feature will eventually provide seamless communication across multiple applications.
Furthermore, the upcoming release will focus on enriching the 5G experience, extending its reach to new segments, according to Finnish technology vendor, Nokia. This will support the further optimization of operational expenses and features beyond traditional communications.
In the satellite connectivity sector, Release 19 is set to address downlink and uplink coverage challenges while ensuring the ability of reduced capability (RedCap) devices to integrate NTN support.
Additionally, the release will explore responses to emerging cybersecurity threats in quantum computing through 256-bit security algorithms. This feature will set the basis to fortify the cybersecurity landscape against future security challenges.
Industry Development: 5G-Advanced Lays the Foundation for a “Mobile AI” Era
Bridging the Present and Future of Connectivity
In the quest to advance global telecommunications, the industry has seen major contributions, particularly from key figures such as Nokia, Huawei, Ericsson, and Qualcomm. The active participation of organizations represents the industry’s strong interest in advancing innovation through research and development (R&D).
According to ABI Research, more than 400 companies have contributed to the 3GPP standardization, reflecting the active participation of organizations to drive continuous advancements in the industry.
With more than ten leader rapporteur roles, Nokia has played an active role in completing the 3GPP Release 19, contributing to innovative areas such as XR, network energy efficiency, AI/ML at all layers, security, and new special use cases.
Huawei actively supported the unification of global standards. The technology giant made almost 12,000 contributions to standards organizations in 2023 alone.
Meanwhile, Ericsson also made significant contributions in various areas, including MIMO, AI/ML in mobility, and Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS).
Qualcomm has contributed to 5G NR NTN and 5G IoT NTN standards and demonstrated the use of AI/ML to improve beam prediction on its 28 GHz massive MIMO test network.
Furthermore, the 3GPP Release 19 is set to focus on major topics that revolve around key innovations such as AI/ML air interface, ambient IoT, AL/ML for NG-RAN, mobility enhancement, network energy-saving improvements, and more.
Looking ahead, the upcoming release will facilitate the journey to the 6G era by exploring new frontiers in technology. With core pillars focusing on AI and ML, it will lay the foundation for the next wave of connectivity.
Also Read: 5G-Advanced: Breaking the Digital Barrier for a More Connected World
Final Thoughts
As we witness a new era in telecommunications, the forthcoming launch of Release 19 will support the paradigm shift in connectivity, allowing the industry to embrace the future of wireless networks and technologies that shape the very fabric of the digital landscape.
Every release unlocks new opportunities and possibilities to bring forth transformative changes and intelligent solutions across various industries.
Laying the groundwork for future innovations, Releases 18 and 19 will set the smooth transition from 5G-A to 6G, a monumental leap towards a more intelligent and connected world.
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