Regional Trial Progress
China
China Mobile began early Release 18 (5G‑Advanced) trials in Hangzhou in early 2025. These tests span multi‑band aggregation, including sub‑6 GHz and mmWave, and satellite‑aided positioning (Non‑Terrestrial Networks, NTN). The focus is on evaluating AI‑assisted MIMO tuning and Layer‑3 signaling capture using rooted smartphones, aiming to support industrial use cases like smart manufacturing.
South Korea
Operators like SK Telecom and KT are running field trials combining mmWave and 28 GHz with sub‑6 GHz aggregation. Their testbeds include AI‑based beam management, dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS), and real‑time XR (extended reality) traffic. Taiwan’s Qualcomm X80 modem, which supports Release 18 features including 1024‑QAM and AI‑based channel state info (CSI) prediction, is being used in prototype smartphones.
Finland
In March 2025, Elisa activated a 5G‑Advanced pilot network with 10 Gbps speeds in Helsinki. That setup includes mmWave on 60 GHz, AI/ML‑fed energy-saving functions in RAN, and massive MIMO enhancements using machine-learning‑aided beamforming. Tests for extended reality streaming and industrial automation at campus sites are also underway.
Key Technical Components
Enhanced Spectrum Use
Release 18 expands the usable spectrum to include mmWave and subTHz, especially frequencies above 52 GHz. Trials in China include Kaband NTN setups in the n510n512 ranges. Finland’s 60 GHz trials are evaluating IEEEaligned deployment for shortrange XR and factory networks. So, now let us see How China, South Korea, and Finland Are Shaping the Next Phase of Mobile Networks 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.
AI/ML for RAN and Air Interface
Release 18 standardizes AI/ML support for:
- Energy saving: AI predicts load and activates/deactivates cells
- Beam/CSI control: Neural‑net predictors support accurate beam selection and CSI compression
- Mobility optimization: ML models predict handover events and reduce failed handoffs.
Field tests in Korea and Finland track these models’ live performance.
Evolving Use Cases
- Extended Reality (XR): Streaming of synchronized video/audio streams at high throughput and low latency during live demos in Finland
- Industrial Automation: In China, smart factory deployments are supporting synchronized robotics and tracking using eURLLC and Time‑Sensitive Networking (TSN) over mmWave.
- NTN & UAV support: China’s trials include satellite links and drone relay using sidelink. Release 18 supports handover and authentication across satellite and terrestrial cells
Positioning & Timing
Release 18 introduces carrier‑phase positioning (CPP) and sub‑nanosecond synchronization Chinese trials combine multi‑RTT satellite measurements with AI fingerprinting to achieve centimetre‑level indoor positioning.
What’s Ahead
- Finalization of Release 18 specs (mid‑2024)
- Scaling lab results to commercial deployment in 2025–2026.
- Launch of satellitebacked CSP-grade network features (e.g. NTNs).
Summary
Trials in China, South Korea, and Finland are actively validating Release 18 features in real environments. These include wideband spectrum, AI-enhanced beamforming and energy use, XR streaming, industrial control, and precise positioning. As testbeds mature, the core focus will shift to turning demonstration into deployment-scale networks through standardization, chipset integration, and operational readiness.
About RantCell
RantCell is a powerful mobile network testing and monitoring solution designed to run on standard Android smartphones. It enables operators, regulators, and enterprises to measure and analyze 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G network performance without the need for specialized hardware. Also read similar articles from here.