Huawei, the Chinese telecommunications giant, recently made a bold announcement during the MWC Shanghai event, stating that it plans to provide all the necessary components for running a 5.5G network by 2024. This move is seen as an attempt by Huawei to position its upcoming release, known as 5.5G, as the next iteration of 5G technology. However, the term “5.5G” is not yet recognized by the standardization bodies responsible for defining 5G and related standards. Let’s delve deeper into Huawei’s ambitious plans and the potential implications for the industry.
While the term “5.5G” is not officially recognized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the organization responsible for defining 5G and its evolution, Huawei aims to establish it as the next stage of 5G technology. Yang Chaobin, the director and president of ICT Products & Solutions at Huawei, envisions the launch of 5.5G as the beginning of a new era for the industry. However, it is important to note that the 3GPP is currently focused on evolving 5G through its work on Release 18, also known as “5G-Advanced.”
Release 18 includes significant enhancements, such as 10Gbps connections and the utilization of mmWave frequencies. These advancements aim to improve network performance and availability. Although the term 5.5G is not formally recognized, Huawei remains confident in its ability to deliver advanced technologies, including AI-native capabilities, to further enhance network capabilities.
Huawei’s announcement showcases its intention to deploy AI capabilities throughout the network, which is a significant aspect of their 5.5G vision. By integrating AI into the network infrastructure, Huawei aims to enhance network performance and deliver more efficient and reliable services. This strategic move aligns with Huawei’s commitment to driving technological and commercial advancements in the telecommunications industry.
According to Yang, Huawei plans to launch a complete set of commercial 5.5G network equipment by 2024, enabling the commercial deployment of 5.5G. The company’s comprehensive solutions will provide the necessary infrastructure to support the next generation of connectivity. Huawei’s emphasis on AI capabilities and network enhancements demonstrates their commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.
Huawei’s involvement in 5G infrastructure has raised concerns among many governments due to security risks associated with the company. Several countries have even banned or restricted the use of Huawei’s 5G and 4G equipment. As a result, it is unlikely that a significant number of global buyers will consider Huawei’s 5.5G offerings, especially in regions where security concerns are prevalent.
However, Huawei’s announcement could still attract positive attention domestically, especially in its home market of China. Additionally, developing nations may be attracted to Huawei’s competitively-priced communication equipment, presenting potential opportunities for the company to expand its market share.
Despite Huawei’s ambitious plans, the lack of formal recognition of the term 5.5G from standardization bodies poses a challenge for the company. The geopolitical challenges it faces, coupled with the security concerns surrounding Huawei, may limit its global reach and hinder the widespread adoption of its 5.5G solutions.
First reported on Telecoms
