The SoftBank executive noted that he expects 5G-Advanced technology to gradually be implementedcommercial network equipment after 2025

The main features of future 5G-Advanced networks are expected to include further improvements in the fundamental performance aspects of 5G, such as coverage, capacity and mobility, Tomohiro Sekiwa, SVP and CNO at Japanese telco SoftBank, told RCR Wireless News.

The executive also noted that 5G-Advanced will enable “the efficient integration of diverse devices expected to proliferate in the future, such as sensors, XR terminals, and UAVs,the network and the further development of Non-terrestrial Network (NTN) and their seamless integration with terrestrial networks.”

The executive noted that he expects 5G-Advanced technology to gradually be implementedcommercial network equipment after 2025. “With 5G-Advanced, the deployment of services that truly embody 5G features will become easier with more efficient coverage expansion and capacity improvements. We expect that the adoption of new use cases utilizing the unique features of 5G will continue to expand, leading to further improvements in the profitability of communication services as a consequence,” Sekiwa said.

The SoftBank executive also noted that 5G-Advanced technology will enable the advancement of XR services and promote the widespread adoption of XR devices, adding that the technology will also facilitate the utilization of UAVs, the progress of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS/Digital Twins) through the proliferation of low-cost, low-power 5G IoT devices.

Sekiwa also highlighted that SoftBank is focusing on leveraging AI/ML in various fields, including the mobile network domain, as the telco considers it essential for its development. “We expect there will be widespread adoption of AI/ML in various aspects, such as optimizing communication quality and energy consumption and reducing operational costs through automation,” he said.

Commenting on the potential of 5G-Advanced to boost the penetration of private networks in vertical markets, Sekiwa said that the key to the proliferation of private networks lies in the provision of cost-effective and high-quality 5G networks, as well as a wide range of 5G-IoT devices and their integration with various applications used by businesses. “It is notable that 5G-Advanced offers features that contribute to the spread of private networks, such as high-speed uplink transmission expected in many use cases and the realization of low-cost RedCap/eRedCap.”

Sekiwa also said he expected 5G-Advanced applications will act as a bridge that will connect 5G with future 6G networks. “We believe that 5G-Advanced will introduce some of the technologies that are expected to see widespread adoption in the 6G era. Through the use of AI/ML, network communication quality and energy consumption will be optimized, enabling cost reductions through automation.”

RCR Wireless News published an editorial report dubbed “5G-Advanced deep dive: state of standards, products and use cases”, in which key industry leaders and analysts deep dive5G-Advanced progress in terms of standardization, as well as the new features and use cases that it will enable. Click here to access the report.