The Mobile World Congress in Barcelona provided a compelling demonstration of the capabilities of 5G standalone (SA) networks. Through a remote-controlled car experience, attendees witnessed firsthand how this advanced technology can dynamically adjust video quality and enable long-distance vehicle control. Despite the challenges faced during the demo, it highlighted the immense potential of 5G SA networks to transform various industries. However, the widespread adoption of 5G SA remains limited, with only a fraction of global 5G networks currently supporting this technology.

Exploring the Potential of 5G SA in Automotive Innovation

The showcase at the GSMA Pavilion revealed the transformative impact of 5G SA networks on remote operations. By leveraging the programmability of these networks, participants were able to control a vehicle located in Finland from the show floor in Barcelona. This experience demonstrated the network's ability to instantly modify service quality, ensuring optimal video resolution for seamless remote driving. While the speed was modest, the demonstration underscored the vast possibilities that 5G SA offers for enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency.

During the event, Liron Golan, Director of Portfolio Marketing at Nokia, explained the concept of "network as code" and how it enables real-time API requests to deliver high-quality services on demand. Participants could observe this in action as they navigated the snowy parking lot in Espoo. Golan also mentioned the potential applications of this technology in other sectors, such as remote piloting cargo ships into ports. These demonstrations illustrate how 5G SA can revolutionize remote operation technologies across multiple industries by providing reliable and responsive connectivity solutions.

Challenges and Future Prospects for 5G SA Adoption

Despite the impressive capabilities showcased at the event, the adoption of 5G SA networks still faces significant hurdles. Barbara Pareglio, Senior Technical Director and Smart Mobility Lead at GSMA, pointed out that only 61 out of 326 global 5G networks are currently 5G SA. This highlights the need for continued investment and collaboration between industry stakeholders to accelerate the deployment of this transformative technology. The limited availability of 5G SA networks underscores the importance of addressing these challenges to unlock the full potential of remote operations.

The strategic partnerships between GSMA and companies like Nokia aim to drive innovation and connectivity in sectors such as automotive and aviation. By showcasing practical applications of advanced 5G network capabilities, including network slicing and on-demand service quality, these collaborations demonstrate the transformative impact of 5G SA on remote operation technologies. As more networks transition to 5G SA, we can expect to see significant advancements in various industries, leading to improved efficiency, safety, and connectivity. The future of remote operations is bright, but realizing this vision requires overcoming current limitations and fostering further innovation.