Beyond the Hype: What 5G Advanced Really Means for Enterprises

The arrival of 5G was advertised as a revolution. Faster speeds, ultra-low latency, a network built for everything from autonomous vehicles to remote surgery it all sounded transformative. Yet many enterprises have found that the real-world benefits of5G can feel elusive, and that separating marketing noise from meaningful progress is challenging. Now the industry is talking about “5G Advanced”. So, is this just the next round of hype, or something more substantial?

The first wave of 5G promised faster speeds and wider coverage. With 5G-Advanced—also known as 5GA or 5.5G—the conversation moves on. This is not just about extra bandwidth, but about creating networks that are smarter, more flexible and better suited to enterprise needs.

What is 5G-Advanced?

5G-Advanced is the next evolutionary step of 5G. It builds on existing 5G standards set by the 3GPP and enhances them rather than introducing a completely new radio technology.

Key features include:

• Ultra-reliable low-latency communication (uRLLC): Essential for robotics, autonomous systems and real-time remote control.

• Network slicing: Virtual networks can be carved out of the physical infrastructure, giving each enterprise or application a dedicated, tailored slice.

• Built-in AI and machine learning: Improves network optimisation, enables automation and supports advanced services.

• Advanced positioning and timing: Provides centimetre-level location accuracy and precise timing for applications such as industrial automation and financial trading.

• Support for immersive technology: Better performance for AR, VR and other extended reality services, with processing shifted towards the network to cut lag.

• Efficient device connectivity: Enables low-power support for massive numbers of IoT devices, from sensors and asset trackers to wearables and drones.

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Why It Matters for Enterprises

5G-Advanced directly addresses many enterprise challenges and opportunities:

• Operational efficiency: Real-time control of machinery and predictive maintenance across extensive sensor networks.

• New business models: Immersive remote support, autonomous vehicles and high-precision logistics.

• Network sustainability: AI-driven optimisation reduces energy use, while network slicing allows efficient infrastructure sharing.

• Assured performance: Fine-grained control over latency and reliability supports mission-critical applications.

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Key Challenges

Adopting 5G-Advanced is not without obstacles:

• Standalone 5G requirement: Many advanced features rely on a full standalone 5G architecture, which some providers have yet to deploy.

• Implementation costs: Upgrading infrastructure and devices can be expensive and needs a clear business case.

• Spectrum availability: Access to suitable frequency bands may limit performance in some regions.

• Device readiness: Enterprises will need compatible equipment across IoT sensors, wearables and other endpoints.

• Mobility and roaming: Guaranteeing service levels across borders or outside controlled environments remains complex.

• Security considerations: A larger attack surface demands strong segmentation, continuous monitoring and robust device management.

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How Enterprises Can Prepare

Organisations can begin planning for 5G-Advanced without committing to a full rollout:

• Assess current infrastructure: Determine whether your network and devices are 5G standalone and identify potential upgrades.

• Define clear use cases: Focus on business problems such as low-latency robotics or precision tracking rather than chasing headline speeds.

• Engage with providers: Understand each supplier’s 5G-Advanced roadmap and deployment plans.

• Run pilot projects: Small-scale trials help validate the business value and uncover technical challenges.

• Plan security and compliance: Incorporate robust security measures and regulatory considerations from the outset.

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OV’s Perspective

At OV, we see 5G-Advanced as a strategic opportunity rather than just another upgrade. We help organisations:

• Align 5G-Advanced capabilities with specific business objectives.

• Launch pilots and controlled deployments to prove value early.

• Ensure infrastructure, devices and security are ready for the next phase of connectivity.

5G-Advanced is not a marketing slogan—it is a genuine step forward in network capability. Enterprises that focus on measurable outcomes, rather than hype, will be best placed to capture its benefits.

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