The 3GPP, which is a group of organizations that develop protocols for 5G, has announced the completion of its next big batch of technologies. In simple terms, the 5G specification now has new functionalities that will benefit mankind.
But considering 5G's coverage is still sparse, don't expect these new functions to roll out immediately. 3GPP's Release 16, or phase 2 for the 5G system, is now available, but the decision to implement these new technologies depends on each operator.
We should also consider the fact that operators will have to make arrangements with their vendors so that these technologies will be commercialized. It could happen later this year, but for most operators, it would likely take more time.
One of the improvements that the next phase of 5G will bring is better power usage. 5G-supported devices are notorious power-hoggers -- Release 16 should help mitigate that issue.
Another is network slicing, which should allow service providers to set specific network parameters for consumers. For example, an automaker could buy a piece of a network that would give their cars the capability of allowing high-speed downloads -- the automaker wouldn't have to share that piece with any other users. Already, several operators are interested in this tech.
Release 16 will enable support for unlicensed spectrum to boost 5G bandwidth. Network providers could add capacity to their existing network in licensed spectrum by "extending" 5G into unlicensed spectrum. Phase 2 of the 5G system will also provide better private networks, which are basically private wireless networks that service providers can offer to their customers for exclusive use.
With Release 16, vehicles will be able to communicate even better. While previous 3GPP technology releases introduced the idea of "vehicle-to-everything" (V2X) communications, the next phase of 5G presents a lot of improvements, one of which is "sidelink," allowing cars to talk to each other directly. This feature could help prevent road accidents by allowing cars to send signals to each other about a potential collision or accident.
Release 16 is the second batch of technologies provided by 5G. 3GPP previously issued Release 15, which is the first batch of 5G specs. It was released in three sections, with the final section release mid-2019. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Release 16's launch is actually delayed a few months.
Now, 3GPP is designing Release 17, which is sure to bring more interesting features and make 5G more powerful than ever. The next batch is expected to arrive in 2021.
