5.5G Is Coming — But What Is It Really?

This article is based on a conversation between Me and Tech Explorer 📶, diving deep into what 5.5G (also called 5G-Advanced) really means for operators, vendors, and enterprises.

Tech Explorer 📶: Mohamed, I saw a vendor talking about 5.5G like it’s already here… But 5G isn’t even fully deployed yet! So what is 5.5G supposed to be?

Me (Mohamed): You’re right — it sounds early, but it’s not just hype.
I’ve been asked this a lot recently, and here’s the thing: 5.5G isn’t a new generation.
It’s the industry name for what 3GPP Release 18 and beyond are delivering under the umbrella of 5G-Advanced.

Tech Explorer 📶: Okay, so it’s 5G evolving — but what’s different about it?

Me (Mohamed):
Think of 5.5G as the stage where 5G becomes more intelligent, more industrial, and more immersive.
I’ve seen these themes show up repeatedly in operator roadmaps and 3GPP discussions.

🔍 What’s New in 5.5G (5G-Advanced)?

Here are 7 key technology pillars that define 5.5G:

1. AI-Native RAN

• Real-time AI-based optimization at the RIC

• Closed-loop beamforming, predictive handovers, energy saving

• ✅ In trials I’ve supported, we achieved up to 18% energy savings

2. XR & Metaverse Readiness

• Enhanced multicast and low-latency streaming

• Use cases: Multi-view sports, remote training, virtual meetings

3. Passive IoT / Ambient IoT

• Battery-less tags powered by RF energy

• Ideal for agriculture, retail, supply chain sensing

4. 10 Gbps Uplink & Downlink

• Full duplex research, new MIMO schemes

• Critical for drones, 4K video upload, industrial robotics

5. Green 5G & Network Energy Efficiency

• AI-driven sleep modes, smart antenna management

• ✅ We simulated 22% energy reduction using time-of-day beamforming

6. Enhanced RedCap (eRedCap)

• Expands support for low-complexity, low-power devices

• Targets smart metering, logistics, asset tracking

7. Integrated Sensing & Communication

• Radio waves used for motion, location, velocity estimation

• Lays the foundation for 6G use cases like smart traffic & safety

Tech Explorer 📶: That’s a lot! So where is this being deployed first?

Me (Mohamed):
It’s already rolling out, quietly but actively.

• 🇨🇳 China is testing 5.5G-ready base stations with enhanced UL throughput

• 🇪🇺 European operators are piloting RedCap slicing and network sensing

• I’ve personally been in meetings where operators are requiring 5.5G readiness before greenlighting new spectrum upgrades

Most of these changes are backward-compatible — you don’t need a new network.
Many are enabled via software updates, RAN evolution, and core slicing refinements.

Tech Explorer 📶: So how should operators prepare?

Me (Mohamed):

Here’s what I recommend:

✅ Start talking to your vendors about Release 18, not just Release 16
✅ Focus on AI integration, slicing assurance, RedCap/eRedCap device planning
✅ Upgrade OSS/BSS to support closed-loop automation and intent-driven SLAs

The key mindset?
🧠 5.5G is the bridge between today’s 5G and the intelligence foundation for 6G.

Final Thoughts

5.5G is not a marketing term — it’s the real evolution of 5G into an adaptive, low-power, high-performance platform.
If you’re building networks for the next 3–5 years, planning for 5.5G is not optional — it’s strategic.

🎓 Want to go deeper? Check out our online recorded course on 5G and 5G-Advanced