5G device evolution and outlook

The search for a spark

October 2022

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Published October 2022

Authors
Tim Hatt, Head of Research and Consulting
Fernando Elizalde, Consultant

© 2022 – GSMA Intelligence

 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

Contents
Executive summary ...........................................................................................................4
1: About this research .......................................................................................................6
Scoping the analysis ............................................................................................................6
2: Consumer segment .......................................................................................................8
Device shipments and adoption trends ................................................................................8
Tech analysis, innovation and barriers to future growth .....................................................11
Competitive landscape.......................................................................................................12
3: Home segment .............................................................................................................14
Device shipments and adoption trends ..............................................................................14
Tech analysis, innovation and barriers to future growth .....................................................17
Competitive landscape.......................................................................................................20
4: Enterprise segment .....................................................................................................22
Device shipments and adoption trends ..............................................................................22
Projects and trials to accelerate unmanned vehicle 5G applications .......................................... 22
Vertical applications .................................................................................................................... 23
Tech analysis and barriers to further growth ......................................................................28
Device availability ....................................................................................................................... 28
Device and solutions costs.......................................................................................................... 28
Common hardware standards ..................................................................................................... 29
5G network coverage for enterprises (private networks and slices) ........................................... 30
The regulatory environment for BVLoS unmanned vehicles ....................................................... 30
5G-Advanced .............................................................................................................................. 30
Appendix: technical specifications ................................................................................31
 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

Executive summary
5G demand in the consumer and enterprise segments continues to build in 2022. Following initial
rollouts from 2018, 5G network coverage has surpassed 50% of the population in many high-
income countries, with capital investments largely undeterred by the pandemic, even if spectrum
auctions have in some cases been delayed. This reflects the fact that infrastructure scale is a
prerequisite to consumer and business adoption. Focus is now shifting to devices and
content/services, which are key to monetising 5G infrastructure investments as operators pursue a
renewed growth story. This report examines the current state of 5G devices, the outlook ahead
and the prospects for innovation that could spark further customer adoption.

Consumer devices segment: looking for a leap in functionality

The consumer segment is by far the largest part of the devices market. Smartphones account for
the vast majority (the rest being tablets, dongles and VR headsets). 5G smartphone shipments
appear to have rebounded from a pandemic-induced fall of 10% in 2020, increasing by 5% in
2021. Meanwhile, prices are coming down. Original design manufacturers (ODMs) may spur
further downward movement towards the value end of the market, particularly sub-$200 devices.
Rather than selling to consumers, ODMs make phones on contract orders either for original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Samsung, Apple or Oppo, or on a white-label basis for
operators. This model is gaining traction in China and other economies in the Far East (such as
Vietnam) where manufacturing scale and chipset supply have enabled a lower cost structure.

Most of the gains in functionality even among higher end 5G phones are pushing at the edge of
where smartphones are likely to get to. A higher resolution camera has been a mainstay of feature
updates for almost every manufacturer over the last 10 years. The gains to come lie in processing
and mapping capabilities for AR and VR functionality, using the smartphone as an anchor point for
separate form factors such as glasses or VR headsets. The device will increasingly become a
conduit to other service and entertainment apps rather than purely a standalone unit. Consumer
upgrades from 4G to 5G handsets are underway and will continue, just as with previous
generational cycles. However, the pace at which that happens and the revenue premiums
associated with hardware and airtime tariffs will depend on providing this functionality with a clear
‘leap’ over what is possible with existing options.

Home devices segment: eyeing the FWA opportunity

The most significant activity in the home space concerns selling 5G FWA broadband. Markets
where the fixed broadband technology mix is skewed towards DSL (such as Austria, the Nordics,
Bahrain and Australia) are likely to lead 5G FWA penetration growth, as there is the most clear
logic to switch. Countries with low fixed broadband penetration but rising incomes (such as the
Philippines and South Africa) will also see faster-than-average growth. As 5G rollouts expand into
developing markets, the list of fast-growth markets will expand. By 2025, the total number of 5G
FWA connections is set to reach around 40 million across 52 countries, up from 4 million in 2021.

A key technical improvement is the streamlined installation for the CPE needed to run FWA. This
removes the need (typical of 4G FWA CPE) for aerial installation on roofs or outdoor fascia,

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

offering a single router installed indoors on a plug-and-play basis, in line with other broadband
products. Other improvements to CPE that favour 5G FWA solutions include:

• antenna gains and beamforming techniques

• massive MIMO

• sound reference signal (SRS) beam selection, which allows CPE to switch between beams
to optimise signal reception.

Indications suggest new CPE units can provide 5G FWA with a spectral efficiency advantage of
2.0–3.5× over 5G mobile broadband (for smartphones) for the next few years, based on the
immobility of the CPE (situated closer to windows), multi-user pairing and other enhanced
technologies. This is important for the economics of the 5G FWA business case as it provides the
underpinning for increased asset efficiency and revenues as operators monetise home data usage.

GSMA Intelligence analysis suggests potential cost savings of up to 80%, 70% and 45% versus
fibre to the premises/building (FTTP/B) can be achieved using 5G FWA (under certain
infrastructure conditions) in rural, suburban and urban geographies respectively. These cost
savings are valid under the three most common operator 5G FWA deployment scenarios and are
based on total cost of ownership modelling for Europe, Latin America and the US.

Enterprise devices segment: spurring innovative solutions

A broad range of digital applications employing 5G are emerging and enabling industries to
achieve digitalisation. Key 5G applications explored include 4K/8K video, AR/VR, unmanned
vehicles, and robots, driven by the technology’s high bandwidth, low latency, mobility and fast
deployment. A single application can enable multiple uses across different industries. For example,
high-definition video on a 5G link can be used for security monitoring in a manufacturing setting,
transit hub or hospital. Unmanned 5G drones can enable retail deliveries, land surveying, pesticide
spraying, laser mapping and video backhaul. Industries driving the implementation of 5G devices
in the enterprise include manufacturing, retail & logistics, construction, mining, transport &
warehousing, agriculture and healthcare.

The cost of deployment and operations for 5G devices in enterprise settings varies depending on
the solution. For example, deploying cameras could be comparably less expensive and complex
from an infrastructure point of view than automated guided vehicle (AGV) solutions. Cost also
depends on the scale of deployment. Most 5G solutions for Industry 4.0, for example, require a
platform for navigation and orchestration, which means adding in specialist testing and operational
costs. As deployment of 5G grows in industry verticals and scale economies feed through on
components, 5G devices are expected to continue on their existing downward pricing trend,
especially with the expected commercialisation of certain reduced capability (RedCap) devices in
2023. With the growth in implementation expertise and knowhow making 5G application less
onerous and more achievable for enterprises, 5G device-based solutions can effectively become
the preferred rather than alternative option.

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

1: About this research

Scoping the analysis
This report examines the current state of 5G devices, the outlook ahead and the prospects for
innovation that could impact customer adoption.

We divide the 5G devices area into three main segments:

Consumer

• Smartphones

• Others (not included in this analysis): tablets, connected PCs and dongles

Home

• FWA home broadband routers

• Mi-Fi connectivity units

• Others (not included in this analysis): cellular IoT modules (e.g. home alarm systems),
connected set-top boxes, and AR/VR headsets with cellular connectivity

Enterprise

• Connectivity devices (terminals) – industrial CPE, routers, gateways and dongles

• General devices – drones, security cameras and manufacturing plant equipment (such as
AGVs)

• Specialist devices – examples include 5G broadcast infrastructure and

healthcare/diagnostics devices

The vast majority of 5G device volumes are smartphones. Within that category, 5G now accounts
for approximately 40% of shipments (see Figure 1) and is growing. FWA routers would be the next
largest device category, though these are structurally lower than smartphones. Enterprise device
categories are more nascent.

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

Figure 1: 5G accounts for over 40% of smartphone volumes globally

Million, 2021

Source: GSMA Intelligence, Counterpoint Research

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

2: Consumer segment
Device shipments and adoption trends
The consumer segment is by far the largest part of the devices market. Smartphones account for
the vast majority (the rest being tablets, dongles and VR headsets). 5G smartphone shipments
appear to have rebounded from a pandemic-induced fall of 10% in 2020, and increased 5% in
2021 (see Figure 2). This is the global number, though; there is significant regional variation and
higher growth rates among early-adopter, vanguard countries such as South Korea, the US, China
and the UK.

Figure 2: After a pandemic-induced hit, the global smartphone market is recovering but
remains well below its peak

Source: Counterpoint Research

The rebound is as a result of several factors, though most are prosaic rather than reflecting an
‘iPhone moment’-style intervention:

• network coverage expansion (and therefore service availability)

• declining handset prices, helped by reduced supply-chain bottlenecks

• 5G availability in more handsets

• operator and OEM marketing support.

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

The demand side of the equation is a more mixed picture. The relaxing of social-distancing
guidelines has allowed retail outlets to re-open – a key enabler, given that 35–40% of smartphone
sales still tend to be directly through operator stores. A further positive has been the reaction to
trade-in schemes, whereby consumers hand in an old handset and the proceeds are used to lower
the effective cost of a new device. In the UK, for example, trade-ins account for 15–20% of new
handset sales. Similar rates have been reported in other advanced European countries. This has
become popular in light of green-minded business operations, and consumer purchase criteria
increasingly involving sustainability and ethical credentials.

The challenges are deep-seated. While 5G awareness is high, a significant share of consumers
still do not see a reason to upgrade (and pay a premium to do so). GSMA Intelligence survey
evidence from 2021 suggests that around 50% of people see 5G as predominantly a speed
upgrade rather than something genuinely new compared to 4G. With such apathy, purchasing
leverage resides with consumers, increasing competition and price pressure. This can be seen in
the form of retail prices for 5G tariffs often on a par with those for 4G (or at a small premium) and
in the fact that overall mobile revenue growth has not appreciably increased, even in countries with
relatively high rates of 5G subscriber penetration.

Because of the time it takes for the replacement cycle to run its course, it will take several years for
5G to reach a similar share of the operator subscriber base as it has for handset sales. The time is
slightly less in the US and Canada, where contract customers account for a higher share of total
customers (contract customers are most likely to upgrade first). The financial impact of 5G on the
consumer segment will therefore be positive but likely marginal for the next two to three years. See
Figure 3.

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

Figure 3: 5G accounts for over 50% of smartphone sales in high-income countries, but it
will take time to show up in the operator subscriber base

Source: Counterpoint Research, GSMA Intelligence

Figure 4: China is the largest 5G market in absolute terms, but the US is more advanced per
capita

Data as of 2021
Source: Counterpoint Research, GSMA Intelligence

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

Tech analysis, innovation and barriers to future growth

Technical advancements in smartphones have come to bear in chipsets and processing power,
camera technology, wireless charging, eSIM and mapping. Most of the higher end 5G
smartphones from Samsung, Apple, Huawei and other Chinese OEMs have two or three rear
cameras with capability for high-definition filming, facial recognition (via AI) and object tracking.
Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors have also been incorporated into some models. This
uses light reflection to map the spatial area in a user’s field of view. It allows for functionality such
as establishing the distance to nearby people or objects (hence why LIDAR is also used in
autonomous vehicles). It is also an underlying technology for expanding AR from its modest roots.

The emergence of direct satellite connectivity should also be noted, particularly in the wake of
Apple’s recent announcement with Globalstar to enable emergency texts, starting with the iPhone
14. This is not a game-changer for 5G utility but, in time, should help with tariff uplifts if operators
can extend roaming coverage to previously uncovered areas.

Price points for 5G smartphones have fallen. In the US and Europe, the average selling price
(ASP) fell around 5% in 2021. This was 15–20% in emerging markets according to Counterpoint
Research data (albeit measured from a small base). See Figure 5. The fall has been helped by a
general increase in supply and an amelioration of chipset supply shortages from pandemic-era
restrictions and the Suez Canal blockage (in March 2021). China’s pivot to rapidly develop a
homegrown chip ecosystem following restrictions on the use of foreign-manufactured components
has also played a role.

Figure 5: 5G handset prices are falling, particularly in lower income regions

Source: Counterpoint Research, GSMA Intelligence

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

The barriers to releasing a higher level of 5G sales are not really about one technology or another;
rather, they are about the smartphone link to other service areas. Most of the gains in functionality
even among higher end 5G phones are pushing at the edge of where smartphones are likely to get
to. A higher resolution camera has been a mainstay of feature updates for almost every
manufacturer over the last 10 years. The gains to come lie in processing and mapping capabilities
for AR and (eventually) VR functionality, using the smartphone as an anchor point for separate
form factors such as glasses and VR headsets. The device will increasingly become a conduit to
other service and entertainment apps rather than purely a standalone unit. Consumer upgrades
from 4G to 5G handsets will happen, just as occurred with previous generational cycles. However,
the pace at which that happens and the revenue premiums associated with hardware and airtime
tariffs will depend on providing this functionality with a clear ‘leap’ over what is possible with
existing options.

Competitive landscape
A range of 5G models are positioned across a spectrum of pricing. Apple and Samsung occupy the
mid and upper ground ($500+), while a number of Chinese OEMs have positioned offerings
primarily below that (see Figure 6), with prices falling further in 2022. Apple’s established position
at the premium end is no different in 5G, having incorporated the radios into multiple models
following the iPhone 12 (announced in 2020). Buying a phone for $800 or $900 is not a mass-
market proposition, of course; it is made possible through interest-free, financing schemes offered
by most operators. Device payments can be made in instalments over a given period, typically two
or three years. The commensurate prices expressed as a share of disposable income indicate that
5G models range from around 0.25% of income (e.g. Xiaomi Redmi Note, Oppo A94) to 1.25% of
income (e.g. iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max). The bundle cost – including a 5G airtime tariff – sees
this increase by another 1 percentage point of income.

The rates shown in Figure 6 are taken from Tesco Mobile in the UK – an MVNO with similar
consumer pricing to the major operators. 5G prices are not that different to 4G. This likely reflects a
mix of high levels of competition (especially as it is a UK example) and the fairly price-elastic
nature of mobile communications, particularly in times of high inflation or other macro pressures,
which constrains operators’ ability to price at a premium.

ODMs represent a potential further pull-force towards the value end of the market, particularly sub-
$200 devices. Rather than selling to consumers, ODMs make phones on contract orders either for
OEMs (such as Samsung, Apple or Oppo) or for operators on a white-label basis. This model is
gaining traction in China and other Far East economies such as Vietnam, where manufacturing
scale and chipset supply have enabled a lower cost structure. This provides diversification to
operators wanting to offer a greater range, even if the volume of shipments is marginal compared
to the global-level makers such as Apple and Samsung.

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

Figure 6: 5G smartphone prices span a wide range (UK view)

Data from Tesco Mobile (UK) website on 4 July 2022. Income ratios are based on the cost of device and airtime repayments on an
unlimited data tariff per year. Handset standalone prices are based on monthly repayments over 36 months.
Source: Tesco, GSMA Intelligence, World Bank

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

3: Home segment
Device shipments and adoption trends
FWA networks have been around for more than a decade. The majority of FWA commercial
services use 4G networks, with 5G a more recent addition. However, FWA market adoption has so
far been mixed and geographically variable. Its share of broadband households is in the low to
mid-single digits (see Figure 7). There are some exceptions, such as the GCC States, where
concerted efforts have been made to push FWA as a viable fibre alternative, notably in Kuwait and
Saudi Arabia (where both record over 50% of fixed broadband subscribers on FWA).

The mixed performance of FWA in the 4G era can be ascribed to a combination of factors,
including inferior performance (speed) relative to cable and fibre, limiting data caps, and (in some
cases) the need for CPE installation. As of Q1 2022, 74 fixed broadband service providers had
launched commercial 5G FWA services across 38 countries.

Figure 7: FWA connections (residential and business) as a percentage of households, 2021

Thirteen markets (of the 36 fixed broadband markets covered by GSMA Intelligence) where FWA household penetration
is less than 1% have not been included. Two of these markets had no FWA connections as of 2021.
Source: GSMA Intelligence

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

5G is making for a more compelling and competitive solution by providing speeds of more than 10×
that of 4G FWA, significantly reducing the difference versus fibre and cable. FWA adoption will
also benefit from 5G CPE innovation, including indoor CPE and model diversity.

Figure 8: Fixed broadband technologies and average download speeds

*Depends on spectrum band and cell-site density

Source: GSMA Intelligence

5G FWA should see strong household penetration rises between 2021 and 2025. The average
increase is forecast to be four percentage points across the 52 countries covered by GSMA
Intelligence that have either launched or announced a 5G FWA service so far. In most of these
markets, 5G FWA penetration will be in the low to mid-single digits by 2025, with around a fifth of
the markets showing higher growth (see Figure 9). Developed markets will record higher
penetration growth on average than developing markets, at least initially, as 5G FWA rollout will be
faster. Nine countries will reach or surpass 10% penetration and form a benchmark for 5G rollout
and adoption.

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

Figure 9: 5G FWA household penetration, 2025

Note: markets where 5G FWA household penetration will remain at 1% or less in 2025 have not been included.
Source: GSMA Intelligence

Over the next four years, 5G FWA connections are expected to grow by around 90% per year on
average across the 52 countries that have either launched or announced a 5G FWA service. The
growth rate is boosted by the current small uptake, but it shows clear momentum behind the
service. FWA connections growth will be driven by a combination of new subscribers in greenfield
areas (mainly in developing markets) and subscriber migration from xDSL, cable and FTTH
solutions (mainly in developed markets).

Countries where the fixed broadband technology mix is skewed towards xDSL (e.g. Austria,
Bahrain and Australia) are likely to lead 5G FWA penetration growth. Countries with low fixed
broadband penetration (such as the Philippines) will also see faster-than-average growth. As 5G
rollouts expand into developing markets, the list of fast-growth markets will expand.

5G FWA has a greater challenge in countries with high broadband penetration and high FTTP/B
deployments (e.g. Sweden, Spain and South Korea). The local operators have invested in strong
fibre networks with deep reach into the country and do not see a need to develop a strong 5G
FWA strategy, other than for certain specific use cases. There are exceptions such as in the US,
where cable providers dominate the fixed broadband market and operators are using 5G FWA to
gain market share or in-fill areas with poor cable/fibre coverage.

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

By 2025, the total number of 5G FWA connections across the 52 countries is expected to reach
around 40 million, up from 4 million connections in 2021. The top five countries by 5G FWA
connections will be the US, Germany, UK, Philippines and Italy. 5G FWA customer equipment will
drive better subscription uptake. With a slow start, 5G FWA shipments are expected to surpass 4G
FWA CPE shipments by 2025, exceeding 28 million units in 2027, compared to 20 million for 4G
units in the same year.

Figure 10: FWA CPE shipments

Millions of units

Source: Huawei industry estimates

Tech analysis, innovation and barriers to future growth

For 5G FWA rollout, cost items can be broadly categorised into passive infrastructure (e.g. towers),
active infrastructure (e.g. gNodeB and backhaul) and CPE. The total cost incurred for these in a
deployment is determined mainly by drivers related to coverage need (if there is no existing 5G
network), which depends on the propagation characteristics of the area and the spectrum bands
used; and capacity need, according to network load at the peak hour and bandwidth availability.

GSMA Intelligence research estimates potential cost savings of up to 80%, 70% and 45% versus
FTTP/B can be achieved using 5G FWA (under certain infrastructure conditions) in rural, suburban
and urban geographies respectively. These cost savings are valid under the three most common
operator 5G FWA deployment scenarios and are based on total cost of ownership modelling for
Europe, Latin America and the US.

CPE is determinant in reaching a critical mass of users and consequently ensuring the success of
5G FWA. As CPE costs are often built into customer tariffs, cost is a concern for operators; any
reduction in cost helps to mitigate purchasing friction. New form factors in 5G FWA CPE are
expected to deliver lower costs, with enhanced performance. A consensus of industry estimates

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

indicates that, by 2023, the average cost of a 5G FWA CPE unit will be just over $100 and that, by
2024, CPE for 4G/5G will be priced almost on a par with each other. Overall FWA CPE shipments
are projected to grow at an annual rate of 25% out to 2026.

Figure 11: 4G and 5G FWA CPE pricing evolution

Source: GSMA Intelligence based on industry sources

CPE vendors are rapidly making 5G FWA routers available, pushing down prices. In little over a
year, the number of announced devices grew by over 31%, reaching 213 announcements by April
2022, with 120 5G FWA CPE devices commercially available from 72 vendors.

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

Figure 12: Announced 5G FWA CPE devices, 2021 and 2022

Source: GSMA Intelligence

An important development concerning CPE is the move to more streamlined installation

processes, removing the need (typical of 4G FWA CPE) for aerial installation on roofs or other
outdoor fascia, with a single router installed indoors on a plug-and-play basis, in line with other
broadband products. Further improvements in CPE that favour 5G FWA solutions include:

• antenna gains and beamforming techniques

• massive MIMO

• sound reference signal (SRS) beam selection, which allows CPE to switch between beams
to optimise signal reception.

Meanwhile, indications suggest new CPE units can provide 5G FWA with a spectral efficiency
advantage of 2.0–3.5× over 5G mobile broadband (for smartphones) in the next few years, based
on the immobility of the CPE (situated closer to windows), multi-user pairing and other enhanced
technologies. This is important for the economics of the 5G FWA business case, as it provides the
underpinning for increased asset efficiency and revenues as operators monetise home data usage.

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

Competitive landscape
The technical gains in home FWA CPE are reflected across a widening group of companies in the
competitive landscape. Examples include the following:

• Tozed Kangwei’s 5G-CPE-Indoor-ZLT Y850 is a 5G indoor gateway supporting sub-6 GHz,

SA and NSA, with integrated Wi-Fi. The ZLT X11 is the vendor’s outdoor solution.

• Green Packet’s portfolio includes indoor gateway, outdoor gateway and portable Wi-Fi. The
Green Packet indoor gateway, D5H, is equipped with beamforming technology,
automatically detecting the location of devices such as mobiles and computers in the
network. It supports 5G/4G/wired broadband network, dual-channel acceleration and dual-
channel backup, reducing connection drops. Green Packet claims the CPE’s coverage
distance is 1.5–2.0× greater than other 4-5 dBi CPE systems. It is equipped with 2NR CA
capabilities and can reach a maximum speed of 4.6 Gbps with extended coverage.

• Asiatelco Technologies is a provider of wireless devices for broadband access, IoT/M2M

applications and voice communication via 5G/4G/3G/2G. DW516, an indoor 5G CPE unit
based on the Unisoc 5G chipset, has been approved by a number of operators in different
regions. The 11dB high gain intelligent antenna ensures a stable data connection, including
in rural areas. It is compatible with Huawei Suite and LTM server, including for use
remotely. DW516 is positioned as offering stable performance with a value entry price,
enabling the transition from 4G to 5G FWA.

• Technicolor has grown its Connected Home gateways product line with what the vendor
calls a hybrid 5G home gateway. The Cobra 5G solution incorporates a high-fidelity Wi-Fi
router to ensure smooth delivery of fast internet connectivity to multiple users and devices
within the home. The gateways optimise antenna placement, allowing for in-home roaming.
The company’s Indoor5G technology manages traffic dynamically, allowing antennas in the
gateway device to self-optimise by automatically running the direction and configuration of
its internal antenna system to ensure the best reception. It operates in 3.5 GHz spectrum.
The CPE leverages Technicolor Connected Home application-oriented middleware, based
on OpenWrt and RDK-B standards, allowing the deployment of services that help
consumers manage connectivity and troubleshoot problems. It delivers an in-home
throughput of 500 Mbps.

• BEC Technologies’ AirConnect Series comprises two 5G/LTE dual-mode router models
that allow for transitioning from 4G FWA to 5G FWA. The BEC AirConnect 8110 is a 5G
NR/LTE dual-mode indoor router with multi-WAN connectivity, while the BEC AirConnect
8230 5G NR/LTE is the outdoor model. Both support 5G sub-6 GHz non-standalone (NSA)
and standalone (SA) modes, Gigabit LTE CAT 16 4×4 MIMO cellular connectivity, and a
dedicated Gigabit EWAN interface. The LAN interfaces of the indoor model include a four-
port Gigabit Switch, dual-band 4×4 MU-MIMO Gigabit Wi-Fi, advanced networking,
dynamic QoS and firewall security.

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

• Askey’s 5G NR ODU is a dual-mode CPE unit supporting LTE and 5G mmWave signal
(26–28 GHz and 39 GHz) and sub-6 5G NR. The 5G NR CPE is an integrated device with
router and Wi-Fi 6. It does not currently support sub-6 SA, though an upgraded unit has
been announced.

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 5G device evolution and outlook: the search for a spark

4: Enterprise segment
As a platform enabling technology, 5G is accelerating digital transformation in the enterprise and
across various industries. Key 5G applications being explored include 4K/8K video, VR/AR,
unmanned vehicles, and robots. These are being driven by 5G’s high bandwidth, low latency,
mobility and fast deployment. Each application can enable multiple uses across different
industries. For example, unmanned 5G drones can enable retail deliveries, land surveying,
pesticide spraying, laser mapping and video backhaul. Meanwhile. 5G-enabled high-definition
video can be used for commercial security purposes at transit hubs and in industrial premises.

Industries driving the implementation of 5G devices include manufacturing, retail and logistics,
construction, mining, transport and warehousing, agriculture and healthcare.

Device shipments and adoption trends

The various industry applications of 5G require different types of devices or terminals. These can
be classified into three types, based on the functionality and specialisation of the terminal:

• Basic connection devices – those that provide basic 5G network access. This group
includes CPE, gateways, routers, and dongles for data transfer.

• General devices – common industrial devices such as cameras, drones, AGVs or on-board
units that are fitted with 5G modules and can be used across many applications and
industries.

• Specialist devices – specialist equipment integrated with 5G modules or dongles. Examples

include equipment for underground mining such as shearers and excavators fitted with 5G
connectivity for remote control; special 5G cameras adapted for safety or explosion-proof
requirements; 5G broadcast backpacks; and 5G medical trolleys.

The first group of devices is the most important, as these allow any equipment to be connected to
a 5G network. They can function as enablers for 5G industrial applications. Within the general
devices category, AGVs and cameras do not demand large-scale, continuous 5G coverage as
drones do, which makes them easier to deploy with current levels of 5G network coverage.
Specialist devices will take longer to develop and integrate. While commercially available volumes
are structurally lower than in the consumer segment, the number at the trial and live deployment
phases is growing.

Projects and trials to accelerate unmanned vehicle 5G applications

5G-enabled unmanned devices are part of the flurry of activity in enterprise device form factors.
However, in urban areas and busy skies, or in constrained environments such as factories or

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warehouses, significant testing of the technologies and the viability of applications is required.
Examples of projects and trials include the following:

• Launched in 2021, the BT-led Project XCelerate conducted a series of drone flight trials
with the aim of demonstrating how – by using a commercial mobile network – drones can
operate safely in the same airspace as manned aviation, overcoming the challenges and
enabling beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLoS) flights. The project has conducted fight trials
along an 8 kilometre corridor. Use cases include deploying drones to assist emergency
services, carrying out 3D mapping, aiding police forces, conducting safety inspections and
making deliveries. Backed by the UK government’s Industrial Strategy, BT’s EE mobile
network has provided the communication for BVLoS environments, including GPS location
and remote identification, command and control, redundant geo-awareness and live
notifications sent directly to drones in-flight. Other partners in the project include Angoka,
DroneStream, SkyBound Rescuer, Dronecloud, HeroTech and Skyports.

• Vodafone and Sapcord, a global navigation company, have trialled new precision
positioning technology enabling drone deliveries to moving targets. The positioning
technology tracks vehicles remotely to within just 10 centimetres of their position. To
achieve this, Vodafone used Precise Point Technology Positioning – Real Time Kinematics
(PPP-RTK) to track the exact lane vehicles were travelling in over a 100 kilometre journey.

• The European Union, under the Industrial Leadership programme, earmarked €12.9 million
for the 5G!Drones project to run trials on UAVs and systems to prove that 5G infrastructure
can support the simultaneous running of three types of UAV services using network slicing.
Ericsson and Scania are jointly testing the teleoperation of trucks in urban and control
environments. Using a cloud-based application, a human operator/remote driver controls
the vehicle remotely via vehicle-to-network communication in situations in which an AGV is
in an unusual circumstance or requires assistance. The solution requires downlink data
rates of up to 1 Mbps and uplink data of up to 25 Mbps, ultra-high reliability of 99.999%,
end-to-end latency of 5 ms between the AGV and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) application
server, and message exchange between the vehicle and V2X application server for an
absolute speed of up to 250 km/h.

Vertical applications
Alongside current projects to prove the viability of solutions or improve the technologies used,
there are many proofs of concept and trials across different verticals, as well as a few small
commercial deployments. 5G industrial applications can be grouped into three categories:

• industry eMBB applications, requiring huge downlink bandwidth and data transfer, as seen
in devices such as AGVs

• cloud vision applications, where uplink video is used, as seen in industrial cameras,
monitoring cameras, live streaming, AR/VR and inspection robots

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• wireless automation applications, requiring low latency and high reliability, as seen in cloud-
based programmable logic controllers (PLCs), rail guided vehicles (RGVs) and number-
plate recognition cameras.

5G applications are being trialled and implemented in several verticals, such as construction and
healthcare. Solutions for the different industries can make use of one or multiple 5G applications,
as well as one or more 5G device types, whether general or specialist. Below we outline some
example trials and deployments of 5G devices across different vertical industries.

Smart factories
AGVs are a good fit for the smart factory environment, supporting inventory functions and moving
product and supplies around factories. The use of AI in the 5G network and 5G devices can
provide tools to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Trials and implementations taking place
around the world include the following:

• Worcester Bosch, a UK manufacturer with a private 5G network and mobile edge

computing, installed a network of collision sensors on robots to improve worker safety at its
factory.

• The Manufacturing Technology Centre, in partnership with West Midlands 5G and BT, is
using autonomous mobile robots at its manufacturing research facility, to rapidly transport
components across the factory to an inspection cell, where products are checked against
design specifications.

• The 5G Connected Automated Logistics (CAL) Project has been working with the Nissan
plant in Sunderland, UK, to test the control of an autonomous 40-tonne truck remotely via
5G. The technology provides highly reliable, bi-directional communication with the vehicle
to secure remote operation.

• Atlas Copco Airpower is aiming to implement agile robots in its factory. It is using 5G to
wirelessly control AGVs via cameras and environmental sensors.

• The Huaheng Factory in China is using 5G and MEC to power AGVs for asset tracking and
smart warehouse operations in an environment that requires smart vehicles for on-site
logistics and operations.

• Using autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), Nokia, DoCoMo and Omron are trialling a layout-
free production line. As product cycles become shorter due to fast-changing consumer
demand, manufacturing sites are under increasing pressure to rearrange production lines
at short notice. By taking advantage of 5G’s high speed, large capacity, low latency and
ability to connect multiple devices, AMRs can automatically convey components to the
exact spot required, based on communication with production line equipment.

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Engineering and construction

• South Korean operator KT and Hyundai Engineering & Construction joined forces to test
the use of 5G networks at the latter’s construction sites. They have trialled the network’s
fast data transmission, low latency and security to transmit 3D scanning data of
construction sites, robotic solutions to perform work on site with limited or no human
access, as well as unmanned self-driving robots for site patrols.

• BAM Nuttall is partnering with Attocore and Building Research Establishment (BRE) to
build a Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Transmission HDVC convertor
and substation in Kergord in the Shetland Islands, UK. The consortium is using a private
5G network, funded by the UK government, to help design and build the civil works for the
convertor station and substation. The project is exploring the use of digital technology and
tools to improve safety and sustainability, and increase collaboration. The range of 5G-
supported solutions in the project includes live digital cameras and drones, artificial
intelligence, and IoT sensors to monitor construction processes and measure progress.

Mining
• Pangpangta Coal Mine in Lvliang, Shanxi, China, launched a 5G-supported, smart mining
project in 2020. The project has set up a high-quality industrial network integrating 5G 10-
gigabit-class industrial ring networks in two areas of the mine. The applications supported
by the 5G underground network include AI intelligent belt sensing, multimedia
communication scheduling, high-definition video collection, intelligent video analysis, full
situational awareness, and remote control to achieve intelligent and interconnected
management. The 5G signal supports high-quality underground video surveillance,
transmitting high-definition industrial videos and images of roadways and chambers in real
time. The low latency of the network supports remote control and unattended operation of
substations, pumping stations and gas drainage works. Another 5G application the network
is intended to be used for is AR/VR technology to remotely connect underground workers
with experts, for remote equipment maintenance, and robot-aided inspection of hazardous
areas to collect environmental data. The result is a reduction in the need for overhaul work
and associated shifts, and a decrease in the number of underground workers needed for
operations, particularly to perform jobs related to safety.

Health
The increased speed and improved bandwidth of 5G have allowed the integration of medical
devices, such as stethoscopes and ECG devices, with data streams, resulting in faster and more
streamlined treatment times and efficient patient care. Other applications include the development
of medical and emergency carts to assist in care.

• In Gothenburg, Sweden, researchers have been testing drones to deliver life-saving

defibrillators to people with suspected cardiac arrests, reaching the patient faster than via
an ambulance. Between June and September 2020, 12 drones were dispatched at the
same time as an ambulance, with authorisation from the local airport’s control tower. The
trial, carried out in real-life emergencies, showed that the use of drones to deliver

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automated external defibrillators (AEDs) is possible and quicker than with ambulances. A
limitation of the type of drones used in the study was that they could not fly in rain or heavy
wind (something that can be overcome).

• University Hospitals Birmingham, UK, in collaboration with BT, equipped one of its
ambulances with 5G connectivity. The ambulance was able to send – via the 5G network –
a live, high-definition camera feed to a remote emergency physician for the procedure of
placing an ultrasound probe. Through a wireless connection, the physician controlled a
robotic glove, with VR integration, to guide paramedics in placing the probe. Another
application of 5G networks by the same hospital has seen the use of 5G connectivity
between intermediate care and acute hospital teams. This has included connected
stethoscopes, ECG devices and high-resolution video, allowing thorough assessments to
be carried out without the need for patients to be physically present at a location.

• The Futian Medical Consortium in Shenzhen, in partnership with China Mobile and Huawei,
embarked on a project to establish a private 5G healthcare network and 5G medical
terminal R&D. Following the broader trend of rising use of public networks for private use,
the solution offers low cost and wide coverage, with 5G’s high performance, reliability and
security. Device solutions developed in the project include medical carts embedded with 5G
modules. With 5G communication modules integrated on the medical cart motherboard and
with download speeds of 600 Mbps, the carts run various information systems. 5G-enabled
emergency carts allow for remote expert guidance when required, using an emergency
interface within the hospital and community health centres. Ambulances have been fitted
with connected medical equipment to assess the patient and transmit in real time the
results prior to arrival to the hospital. The emergency ward can then be prepared for when
the patient arrives. Other applications and solutions being trialled and implemented include
remote mobile consultations through 5G mobile phones, tablets and consultation carts.

Ports
Unmanned drones and robots are best suited for security and surveillance, delivering cost savings,
improved employee safety and faster response times. Due to safety restrictions around flying
unmanned drones, many trials are being carried out at ports.

• The West England Combined Authority in the UK has embarked on its 5G Logistics project
to develop 5G products and services to support operations at Bristol Port and Gravity
Smart Campus, focusing on security, traceability and tracking of goods. Running from
January 2021 to June 2022, one of the projects involved autonomous drone flights for port
surveillance operations, including boundary inspections, ad-hoc surveillance and trigger
event response. The aims of the project have included time reduction for inspecting
perimeter fences, improved granularity of defect detection, and freeing up of police time for
other tasks.

• Ericsson and the Port of Livorno, Italy are trialling automated remote control of unmanned
vehicles for loading and unloading in the port area. The vehicles, working in swarms, are

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remotely controlled by human operators, using cloud-based technology and distributed

computing.

• In 2020, Zhejiang Seaport Group, China Mobile Zhejiang Company, Shanghai Zhenhua
Heavy Industries Company Limited (ZPMC) and Huawei Technologies Company signed a
strategic cooperation agreement, the Ningbo 5G Smart Port, to implement 5G-based smart
operations for ports. The project, using network slicing, is prioritising 5G-powered smart
tallying of containers, unmanned container trucks and remote control of tire cranes. HD
cameras installed on quay cranes can automatically identify container data (e.g. ID number,
size, type, location) within a second and with 95% precision, without affecting container
handling progress. The 5G unmanned container trucks improve transportation efficiency
and safety within the port. The unmanned vehicles, fitted with at least four HD cameras,
can follow the optimal route to move to the designated position of the tire crane to handle
containers, automatically identifying surrounding areas and objects and making decisions
to slow down, break, detour or stop, depending on circumstances. The solution has
reduced the effort required and cost of manual operations and addressed the problems of
driver shortages and fatigue. 5G technology in tire cranes, fitted with HD cameras, has
allowed for the full automation of equipment, supervised from a control room. Where cranes
still require a manual operator, the technology – with its low latency and high uplink
bandwidth – allows remote control of up to four cranes by one operator. The overall result
of the implementation of 5G solutions in the Ningbo-Zhejiang port is enhanced efficiency
and cost reduction.

Power grid and utilities

• In April 2022, Florida Power & Light (FPL), one of the largest power companies in the US,
partnered with Percepto, a provider of autonomous robotics technology, to announce the
deployment of hundreds of drone-in-a-box (DIB) systems. The systems consist of
autonomous drones that launch from (and return to) networked landing boxes. The drones
will perform, scheduled or on-demand, the monitoring of operations for substations and
power distribution grids. During phase one of the project, 13 Percepto DIBs will be
introduced across the West Palm Beach area, with plans to increase the number of drones
to hundreds over the next five to seven years. The project is one of the first to deploy
autonomous drones beyond visual line of sight in an urban setting for infrastructure
inspection, with one pilot overseeing many drones performing highly automated flights over
populated areas.

Retail and logistics

There has been a lot of discussion around the use of drones to deliver purchases over the last two
years in particular. Examples of successful operations using drones for logistics include the
following:

• Manna Drone Delivery is an Ireland-based, business-to-consumer delivery company

founded in 2019. It launched commercial operations in April 2022. With an unmanned
aircraft systems operator certificate issued by the Irish Aviation Authority, the company

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delivers directly from restaurants and supermarkets to consumers’ homes in Balbriggan,

Dublin. It relies on the 5G mobile network for stable device connectivity, enabling operators
and customers to track deliveries, identify potential problems and know precisely when the
food or groceries have been delivered. Manna drones fly at an altitude of 80 metres and a
speed of 80 kilometres per hour. They are able to deliver within a 2 kilometre radius in less
than three minutes. The company is planning to expand into three new regions in Ireland,
and in London. It has also identified six European markets where it aims to begin
operations in 2023.

• Royal Mail in the UK has conducted several trials using drones for deliveries. The latest
involved scheduled, large-drone flights to deliver mail to the remote Orkney Island of North
Ronaldsay. The unmanned aerial vehicle is capable of transporting 100 kg of mail of all
shapes and sizes. Royal Mail recently announced the creation of 50 new postal drone
routes over the next three years.

Environment and wildlife

• An example of the use of unmanned drones using BVLoS for environmental purposes
comes from the National Trust in the UK. It is using heat-seeking drones to count the
number of seal pups in the Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast. Drones are
equipped with two cameras; one films the Atlantic grey seals (an endangered species) from
above, while the other performs thermal imaging – an approach that delivers a more
accurate result. Drones are less intrusive and are increasingly being used to perform a
variety of tasks in hard-to-reach areas.

Tech analysis and barriers to further growth

Device availability
According to the GSA, as of May 2022, the number of 5G devices designed for enterprise
applications announced totalled 1,373 (though not all were commercially available), with more than
half of them phones. Commercial deployments using 5G enterprise devices are growing, though
this varies by region. Scale remains a challenge in some situations. Of the main drone vendors, for
example, only Parrot introduced a commercially available autonomous 4G drone in 2021. More
recently, Skylab MobilitySystems and Autel have introduced 5G drones. The largest manufacturer
of drones, DJI, has not made any announcements involving 5G. However, there are drone solution
providers in the market that have developed 5G drone platforms adapted for DJI’s industrial
drones. Qualcomm released a 5G drone processor and a drone reference at the end of 2021, with
the first reference models available from a start-up in 2022.

Device and solutions costs

The costs of deployment and operations vary depending on the solution. For example, deploying
drones or low-latency cameras could be comparably less expensive and complex from an
infrastructure point of view than AGV solutions. Cost also depends on the scale of the deployment.
Most 5G solutions for Industry 4.0, for example, require a platform for navigation and orchestration,
which adds specialist testing and operational costs.

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The investment required to deploy AGVs to automate the production process goes beyond the
necessary equipment to fit the vehicles. It also includes installation, management and the work
necessary to make the facilities AGV-friendly. This places constraints on smaller companies,
considering the investment outlay required. Additionally, the expense of maintaining drone fleets,
autonomous robots and AGVs can be high, depending on type, location and conditions – another
stumbling block for the adoption of these types of solution.

As deployment of 5G scales and plays to its strengths in terms of speed and latency, it is expected
that 5G devices will continue to fall in price. Reduced capability, or RedCap, is expected to be
commercialised in 2023; this aims to offer lower complexity devices for 5G (and therefore lower
power consumption) and a more cost-effective price point. With the increase in implementation
expertise and knowhow making 5G applications less onerous and more achievable for SMEs and
large enterprises, 5G device-based solutions can effectively become the preferred rather than
alternative option.

Common hardware standards

As 5G applications evolve, there is not yet clarity on the interoperability of the different solutions.
Some of the platforms to manage and orchestrate unmanned 5G devices have been purposely
designed to be agnostic to the devices they support, such as Unmanned Life’s platform, or
FlytNow – a management platform for drone-in-a-box systems and compatible with a range of off-
the shelf and custom-built drones. For large-scale adoption, especially among SMEs, common
interoperability standards covering 5G networks and connected devices are needed, including the
establishment of stringent security and health & safety standards.

Cooperation between government, vendors and operators to create an economically viable ecosystem
Several vendor and government-vendor cooperation initiatives are working to bring full ecosystem
integration for 5G industry applications, with the aim of increasing adoption, creating industry-wide
solutions and reducing costs.

• The Thailand 5G Ecosystem Innovation Center (5G EIC) aims to accelerate 5G innovation
through ecosystem collaboration and to boost the digital economy. A joint initiative by the
Thailand Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Digital Economy Promotion Agency, and
Huawei, the centre will promote the development of innovation for 5G applications and
services across industries and help accelerate the 5G ecosystem both in the country
initially and across the region over the longer term.

• 5G-ACIA is an industry association of vendors aiming to apply industrial 5G in the best

possible way. The organisation works to ensure that the interests of different industrial
domains are considered in the standardisation and regulation of 5G technology, elaborating
integration concepts and migration paths, and evaluating key technologies that emerge
from 5G standardisation bodies.

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• In the UK, a national innovation network, 5GUK, was established to promote research,
collaboration and industrial applications of 5G in the country. The organisation brings
together partners from the communications and computing industries to develop and test
technology and applications, co-investing in trials and testbed programmes and facilitating
commercial deployments.

5G network coverage for enterprises (private networks and slices)

Network slicing, available on 5G SA, is positioned to support (in an exclusive, dedicated manner)
unmanned vehicle solutions in factories, ports and other types of facilities, as well as drone fleets,
with greater security and efficiency. However, network slicing is a complicated technology – and,
as yet, there are no standards. So far, there have only been a few commercial implementations,
mostly in China. Private 5G networks, meanwhile, may prove easier to deploy, with companies
seeing the advantages of full control over operating methods and security policies while benefitting
from the high speeds, low latency and application support of 5G. Private 4G networks may,
though, be able to deliver what an enterprise requires for improved automation.

The regulatory environment for BVLoS unmanned vehicles

Beyond-visual-line-of sight (BVLoS) vehicles present a challenge from a regulatory point of view;
they are not always permitted, while licences to operate them have been issued under special
conditions.

Among the most recent regulatory developments, in the US, the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory
Committee issued a final report in March 2022 with recommendations for the Federal Aviation
Administration to regulate BVLoS vehicles, including accepting certain levels of risk and a process
of qualification for unmanned vehicles and vehicle systems. Industries operating in closed
environments (such as mining or ports) face less of an issue here, provided security controls can
be implemented to constrain drone or vehicle movement to a given zone.

In Europe, some countries (Iceland, Norway and Sweden) have allowed BVLoS operations in
isolated areas, while the European Union Aviation Safety Association (EASA) approved drone
regulations that came into effect in January 2022, allowing BVLoS certifications for drones and
drone management platforms. In July 2022, the UK Civil Aviation Authority published guidelines for
operating BVLoS to be reviewed and implemented by the regulator.

5G-Advanced
Expectations for 5G-Advanced and its benefits could potentially result in deployments of 5G
devices being delayed until 5G-Advanced is rolled out. These include industrial and enterprise
applications such as guarding against the degradation or loss of satellite signals, better support for
high-throughput data users on a network, and enhanced location positioning.

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Appendix: technical specifications

Table A1: Optimal technical specifications for 5G smartphones

Feature Description

Basic Basic frequency band support NR frequency bands:

capabilities TDD: N77/N78/N79 and N41/N38/N40
(for mid-tier 5G FDD: N1, N3, N28, N7
phones)
LTE frequency bands:
FDD: B28/B20/B8/B3/B1/B7
TDD: B40/B38/B41/B42/B43

NSA/SA uplink and downlink MIMO capabilities NSA NR: 1T4R for sub-6 GHz
SA NR: 2T4R for sub-6 GHz
LTE: 1T2R for sub-1 GHz
LTE: 1T4R for >1 GHz

TDD frequency bands support four SRS Supports four-antenna SRS antenna switching
antennas

The EN-DC supports at least 2–3 LTE+1 NR Uplink and downlink NSA traffic offload
channels

Uplink and downlink 256QAM Enables devices to reach near-theoretical peak

rates for 5G DL and UL

The TDD frequency band supports high-power A single TDD channel supports high power at 26
UE at 26 dBm. dBm.

Enhancements SRS carrier switching UE supports CA SRS carrier switching

(for high-end 5G
phones)
NR DL CA Mandatory support

SUL Super uplink: N41+N83, N78+N84, N78+N81

Closed-loop PUSCH antenna selection TDD NR selects the best antenna to transmit
uplink signals based on the signal strength of each
downlink antenna

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Table A2: Optimal technical specifications for 5G CPE

Feature Description

Basic capabilities Basic frequency band support NR frequency bands:

(for mid-tier 5G CPE) TDD: N77/N78/N79 and N41/N38/N40
FDD: N1, N3, N28 and N7

LTE frequency bands:

FDD: B28/B20/B8/B3/B1/B7
TDD: B40/B38/B41/B42/B43

NSA/SA uplink and downlink MIMO NSA NR: 1T4R for sub-6 GHz
capabilities SA NR: 2T4R for sub-6 GHz
LTE: 1T2R for sub-1 GHz
LTE: 1T4R for >1 GHz

The antenna gain of TDD frequency bands Indoor CPE supports high-gain antennas
is greater than 5 dBi

TDD frequency bands support four SRS Supports four-antenna SRS antenna switching
antennas

The EN-DC supports at least 2–3 LTE+1 Uplink and downlink NSA traffic offload
NR channels

Uplink and downlink 256QAM Allows device to reach near-theoretical peak

rates for 5G DL and UL

The TDD frequency band supports high- A single TDD channel supports high power at
power UE at 26 dBm. 26 dBm.

Extended QCI QCI value range: 128–254

Allows QoS differentiation

O&M management TR069 Mandatory support for standard CPE

(for all 5G CPE) maintenance and management protocol

TR143 Mandatory support of CPE fault demarcation

and location

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Feature Description

Enhancements Antenna gain greater than 10 dBi Indoor CPE supports high-gain antennas
(for high-end 5G
CPE)
NR DL CA Mandatory support

SUL Super uplink

UL 3T NSA: LTE 1T + NR 2T
SA: FDD 1T + TDD 2T

DL 8R/8*8 MIMO Mandatory support

UL antenna intelligent selection TDD NR selects a better antenna to transmit

uplink signals based on the signal strength of
each downlink antenna

Intelligent selection of DL antennas When the downlink antenna is designed for

redundancy, it selects the antenna with a good
signal strength to receive downlink signals,
achieving optimisation-free antenna alignment

Wi-Fi 6, supporting mesh extension Mandatory support

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