5G Americas Unveils Comprehensive Report on 5G-Advanced: Paving the Way to a Smarter, Sustainable Future
In a landmark move to shed light on the next phase of cellular technology evolution, 5G Americas, the leading voice of 5G and beyond for the Americas, has announced the publication of its latest white paper titled “5G-Advanced Overview.” This report provides an in-depth exploration of the pivotal developments outlined in Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Releases 18 through 20, while also mapping out the strategic trajectory toward 6G. The white paper highlights how 5G-Advanced is redefining the wireless landscape by integrating artificial intelligence (AI), enhancing Internet of Things (IoT) scalability, improving energy efficiency, and unlocking new service possibilities.
“5G-Advanced represents a major evolutionary milestone in cellular technology—one that harnesses the full potential of artificial intelligence, sustainability, and connectivity to deliver smarter, more resilient networks,” said Viet Nguyen, President of 5G Americas. “This report underscores the transformative impact of 5G-Advanced across industries and its role as a bridge to the future of 6G.”
Key Innovations Driving 5G-Advanced
The white paper delves into several groundbreaking innovations that define the 5G-Advanced era, showcasing how these advancements are reshaping industries and enabling new use cases:
- AI-Native Networking:
One of the most significant breakthroughs in 5G-Advanced is the integration of machine learning into Radio Access Network (RAN) and core infrastructure. This AI-native approach enables zero-touch automation, predictive maintenance, and intent-based Self-Organized Networks (SON). These capabilities reduce fault detection times by up to 90 percent and cut false alarms by as much as 70 percent, ensuring networks operate with unprecedented efficiency and reliability. - Energy Efficiency Breakthroughs:
Energy conservation is a cornerstone of 5G-Advanced. Features such as cell sleep modes, antenna switching, and discontinuous transmission deliver energy savings of up to 56 percent. Additionally, emerging ambient IoT technologies are paving the way for battery-less device ecosystems, further reducing environmental impact and operational costs. - Enhanced XR and IoT Readiness:
To support immersive experiences and mission-critical applications, 5G-Advanced introduces innovations like Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable throughput (L4S) and advanced Quality of Service (QoS) frameworks. These enhancements enable networks to deliver ultra-reliable, low-latency communication, making them ideal for applications such as extended reality (XR), real-time industrial automation, and smart city initiatives. - Spectral Efficiency and NTN Integration:
Advanced MIMO techniques and the integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) extend high-performance 5G coverage to underserved and remote regions. With uplink speeds exceeding 500 Mbps, these advancements ensure seamless connectivity even in challenging environments, supported by satellite-based infrastructure.
Transformative Potential Across Industries
According to Andrea Brambilla, Head of RAN Evolution, Device Partnership at Nokia and co-leader of the white paper, “The transition to 5G-Advanced unlocks transformative potential across industries—supporting digital twin applications, private networks, and AI-driven automation for enterprises and governments alike.” By building on the foundation of 5G Standalone, 5G-Advanced not only enhances current capabilities but also lays the groundwork for the full realization of 5G’s potential.
Pei Hou, Principal Technology Development Strategist at T-Mobile, and co-lead of the white paper, added, “With the nation’s only 5G Advanced network, T-Mobile is setting the stage for a truly intelligent, sustainable, and nationwide 6G ecosystem.” Hou emphasized that 5G-Advanced serves as a critical stepping stone toward achieving the vision of 6G, which will further amplify connectivity, intelligence, and sustainability.
Strategic Implications for Stakeholders
The white paper also outlines the broader implications of 5G-Advanced for operators, enterprises, and policymakers. By embedding AI, automation, and energy efficiency at its core, 5G-Advanced creates a scalable platform for future monetization and digital innovation. For operators, this means opportunities to offer enhanced services, optimize network performance, and reduce operational costs. Enterprises can leverage these advancements to drive productivity, improve customer experiences, and unlock new revenue streams.
Policymakers play a crucial role in ensuring the successful deployment and adoption of 5G-Advanced. The report recommends updates to regulatory frameworks, including policies on AI governance, spectrum sharing, NTN licensing, and global harmonization of IoT standards. These measures will help foster an environment conducive to innovation while addressing security, privacy, and interoperability concerns.
Building Toward a Sustainable and Intelligent Future
As the wireless industry continues to evolve, 5G-Advanced stands as a testament to the power of technological innovation to address pressing challenges. By prioritizing sustainability, connectivity, and intelligence, 5G-Advanced is not just an incremental upgrade—it is a transformative force shaping the future of industries, economies, and societies.
The publication of this white paper by 5G Americas underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the technological advancements, opportunities, and challenges associated with 5G-Advanced, while also providing a roadmap for transitioning to 6G.
About 5G Americas: The Voice of 5G and Beyond for the Americas
5G Americas is an industry trade organization composed of leading telecommunications service providers and manufacturers. The organization’s mission is to be the trusted voice in North America’s wireless industry, fostering collaboration, driving thought leadership, and advancing next-generation mobile technologies. 5G Americas is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. More information is available at 5G Americas’ website, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter).
5G Americas’ Board of Governors Members include Airspan Networks Inc., AT&T, Ciena, Cisco, Ericsson, Mavenir, Nokia, Qualcomm Incorporated, Samsung, and T-Mobile US, Inc.
