T-Mobile will launch 5.5G: What are the details?

T-Mobile plans to implement a more advanced mobile network, called 5.5G, which is expected to launch sometime in 2024. Also known as 5G Advanced, this technology is an evolution of the current 5G network. Ulf Ewaldsson, T-Mobile's Chief Technology Officer, explained that this new offering will include improvements in spectral efficiency and more accurate positioning.

5G Advanced, formalized in version 18 of the 3GPP, promises higher connection speeds and enhancements in technologies such as Massive MIMO. This network will also enable high-precision location tracking and better energy efficiency, allowing devices to enter low-power modes when not in use. With the launch of this network, smartphone manufacturers and chip integrators are expected to start highlighting the capabilities of 5G Advanced in their devices.

To utilize this new network, smartphones will need to be equipped with compatible modems, such as Qualcomm's recent Snapdragon X75, X72, and X80. Additionally, it is essential for the phone to have the required RF antenna hardware and the appropriate licenses to operate with 5G Advanced. It is anticipated that the next generation of processors, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, could be launched alongside the Snapdragon X80 modem, promoting a new line of smartphones ready for this technology.