5G Americas recently published its latest white paper, ‘5G-Advanced Overview’, which explores the key developments of 3GPP Releases 18 through 20 and outlines the strategic path toward 6G. This report offers an insightful look into how 5G-Advanced is reshaping the wireless landscape with integrated AI capabilities, enhanced IoT scalability, energy-efficient networks, and expanded service potential.
“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.
The white paper delves into key innovations driving the 5G-Advanced era, including:
- AI-native networking: integration of machine learning into RAN and core infrastructure enables zero-touch automation, predictive maintenance, and intent-based Self-Organised Networks, cutting fault detection time by 90% and reducing false alarms by up to 70%
- Energy efficiency breakthroughs: features such as cell sleep modes, antenna switching, and discontinuous transmission deliver energy savings up to 56%, while new ambient IoT technologies pave the way for battery-less device ecosystems
- Enhanced XR and IoT readiness: latency innovations like low latency, low loss, scalable throughput (L4S) and new QoS frameworks allow networks to support immersive XR and real-time industrial automation with unprecedented reliability
- Spectral efficiency and NTN integration: advanced MIMO techniques and Non-Terrestrial Network support extend high-performance 5G to underserved regions, achieving uplink speeds exceeding 500 Mbps and enabling satellite-based coverage.
“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,” said Andrea Brambilla, Head of RAN Evolution, Device Partnership, Nokia and group co-leader of the white paper.
“By building on 5G Standalone, we’re not just enhancing today’s capabilities—we’re driving the full realisation of 5G through 5G Advanced. With the nation’s only 5G Advanced network, T-Mobile is setting the stage for a truly intelligent, sustainable, and nationwide 6G ecosystem,” added Pei Hou, Principal Technology Development Strategist, T-Mobile, and white paper group co-lead.
The paper also highlights the strategic implications for operators, enterprises, and policymakers. With AI, automation, and energy efficiency at its core, 5G-Advanced forms a scalable platform for future monetisation and digital innovation. Regulatory recommendations stress the need for updated policies on AI governance, spectrum sharing, NTN licensing, and global harmonisation of IoT standards.
There’s plenty of other editorial on our sister site, Electronic Specifier! Or you can always join in the conversation by visiting our LinkedIn page.
