China Mobile has commenced deployment of 5GAdvanced networks in Hangzhou, while Finland’s operator has delivered one of the very first 5GAdvanced rollouts. Both initiatives mark tangible progress of the 3GPP Release 18 standard. These networks introduce specific capabilities such as standalone geolocation, integration with satellite and aerial links, improved edge performance, and support for advanced industrial and IoT applications. Let’s examine what these deployments entail and how they reflect Release 18 capabilities. So, now let us see New Deployments in China and Finland along with Accurate LTE RF drive test tools in telecom & Cellular RF drive test equipment and Accurate Wireless Survey Software Tools & Wifi site survey software tools in detail.
Understanding 5G-Advanced (Release 18)
Release 18 represents the first phase of 5G-Advanced, also referred to as 5.5G. It builds on earlier 5G work and brings enhancements in the following areas:
- Ultra-precise positioning within the network, without relying on external GNSS systems. Techniques like carrier-phase positioning for enhanced accuracy are now part of standards for NR (New Radio) network.
- Non-terrestrial connectivity, allowing integration with satellite links and UAVs to cover remote or hard-to-reach zones.
- Better efficiency and coverage, especially at cell edges and for high-speed mobility, aided by AI/ML for smart management.
- Support for RedCap (Reduced Capability) devices, now extended with low-power versions (eRedCap) for IoT sensors and industrial monitoring.
- Low-latency streaming under congested conditions, via L4S technology for smoother real-time experiences, such as XR.
China’s Deployment in Hangzhou
China Mobile has activated 5G-Advanced services in Hangzhou, following lab and pilot deployments earlier in the year. The city’s dual “10Gbps infrastructure” project illustrates use of Release 18 features in real conditions.
These networks show practical application of RedCap devices in industrial contexts—realtime monitoring in smart campuses and asset tracking.
Finland’s Operator Launch
In Finland, the operator has launched 5G-Advanced services that deliver enhanced upload and download speeds for home internet customers in the Helsinki region. The operator partnered with technology vendors to scale this across broader networks.
Finland benefits from early spectrum allocations and extensive coverage. The operator’s network integrates L4S streaming capabilities, enabling seamless content delivery in crowded settings like venues.
Functional Gains from Release 18
- Integrated Geolocation
The ability to determine device location precisely within the network, without GPS, is key for industrial use cases and emergency services.
- Non-Terrestrial Networks
Satellite and drone links supplement terrestrial coverage, critical for rural areas and automotive or maritime use.
- Smart Network Resource Management
Machine learning applies to beamforming, handover management, and energy savings through dynamic adaptation.
- RedCap and eRedCap Devices
Low-cost, low-power devices that are compatible with wide 5G networks allow scalable IoT deployment in factories, cities, and utilities.
- Low-Latency Streaming in Crowds
L4S technology tackles congestion by distinguishing packet types—prioritizing real-time content.
Impacts and Road Ahead
- Residential and Corporate Use Cases: Finland’s operator offers an early consumer use case of 5G-Advanced with faster links, setting a new baseline for home connectivity.
- Enabling New Services: Applications in AR/VR, robotics, smart factories, and autonomous transport become more feasible thanks to positioning and low-latency enhancements.
- Network Scalability: The standards include support for NTN and dynamic resource use, enabling operators to expand service coverage in innovative ways.
- Next Steps: The telecom sphere now moves toward Release 19, which builds on these foundations and lays groundwork for future 6G.
Summary
China Mobile’s deployment in Hangzhou and Finland’s operator launch are practical strides in implementing 3GPP Release 18. They deliver core advancements such as localized positioning, satellite support, efficient IoT operation, smart radio control, and robust streaming in dense environments. These rollouts show the tangible advantages of the first 5G-Advanced release and set precedents for how networks across the globe will evolve moving forward.
About RantCell
RantCell is a cloud-based network testing platform that transforms any compatible Android device into a powerful mobile network measurement tool. It enables operators, regulators, and enterprises to perform 4G/5G network performance tests without the need for traditional drive test hardware.
With RantCell, you can conduct indoor, outdoor, and drive tests, capture QoE and KPI metrics in real time, and generate automated reports — all accessible through a web dashboard. Also read similar articles from here.