China Mobile deployed 5GAdvanced in Hangzhou in March 2024. Since then, it has built out rapid, large-scale coverage across multiple cities. So, now let us see China’s Rollout of 5GAdvanced in Hangzhou along with User-friendly LTE RF drive test tools in telecom & RF drive test software in telecom and User-friendy Mobile Network Monitoring Tools, Mobile Network Drive Test Tools, Mobile Network Testing Tools in detail.
Key stats:
- Hangzhou was the first city to go live with Release‑18 commercial service.
- China is adding approximately 340,000 new 5G base stations this year, targeting 300+ cities by the end of 2024
- Early performance reports show download peaks around 5 Gbps and uplinks near 500 Mbps—several times faster than previous 5G.
One highlight from Hangzhou was the launch of the “Dual 10 Gigabit City” concept. It combines 5G‑Advanced and fiber to deliver 10 Gbps connectivity in urban test zones. This supports high bandwidth use cases like XR streaming, industrial automation, and intelligent transport.
China’s Release‑18 deployments also showcase dynamic components:
- RedCap IoT: This accelerates lightweight, efficient device deployments.
- Independent timing and positioning: Urban testbeds in China are using Release‑18’s ability to keep networks and devices synchronized without satellites.
- NTN demonstrations: Trials in remote regions and disaster-response scenarios feature drone and satellite connectivity, removing dependency on ground infrastructure.
Together, these steps position China as a global leader in deploying 5G‑Advanced across multiple verticals and geographies.
Release‑18: Core Technical Enhancements
Release‑18 introduces three main enhancements:
1. RedCap for IoT
RedCap devices reduce power and hardware complexity. They offer essential 5G functions with longer battery life, making them ideal for sensors, trackers, and basic IoT modules.
Deployment:
- In China, RedCap modules are now used in meters, logistics tags, and V2X prototypes.
- Finland’s network is fully compatible with RedCap in both device and network protocols.
This opens the door to wide-scale IoT with lower cost and maintenance needs.
2. Independent Time‑Synchronization
Release‑18 enables base stations and devices to synchronize using network signals instead of GPS.
Benefits include:
- Better network resilience in shielded environments like tunnels or deep indoors.
- Lower cost—no need for GPS timing equipment.
- Stronger support for NTN and drone-based coverage.
Operators in both countries are updating infrastructure and timing protocols accordingly.
3. Standalone Geolocation
Devices can use cellular layer signals—time-of-flight, angle-of-arrival—for geolocation. This reduces dependence on GPS and improves indoor positioning.
Use cases:
- Asset tracking in warehouses and manufacturing.
- Indoor navigation and emergency services.
- Automation in logistics and factories.
Both Finland and China operators have begun testing and integrating these location techniques.
4. Non‑Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
Release‑18 builds on NTN features first introduced in Release‑17. It enables communication through:
- Satellites: For coverage in deserts, mountains, and seas.
- Drones/UAVs: Providing on-demand connectivity in emergencies or remote operations.
China’s early trials include drone mapping and regional coverage tests. Finland is evaluating NTN for rural connectivity and temporary event support.
5. Other Notable Additions
Release‑18 also includes:
- L4S (Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput): Improves experience in crowded venues. Finland demonstrated this in Tampere Arena for XR and streaming.
- Mobile Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB): Enables moving base stations on vehicles or UAVs for temporary coverage.
- Advanced Massive MIMO enhancements: Better beamforming, multi-user support, and mmWave performance.
Comparing Finland and China Rollouts
| Feature | Finland (March 2025) | China (from March 2024) |
| Release‑18 Deployment | National operator live in March 2025 | First worldwide in Hangzhou March 2024; 300+ cities planned |
| RedCap IoT | Network supports device-type | Active deployment in meters, V2X tags |
| Time-sync, geolocation | Activated across network | Part of large testbeds and urban coverage |
| NTN (sat/drone) | Initial studies and rural coverage planning | Field trials and emergency response tests |
| L4S Trials | Demonstrated in Tampere | Demonstrations for XR, broadcast venues |
| Gigabit+ speeds | Expected uplink boosts, consumer FWA focus | Achieved multi-gigabit downlink, large-scale urban coverage |
Finland’s deployment is consumer- and enterprise-focused, especially on improved upload and FWA needs. China’s roll-out is broader, targeting industrial use and full city-scale support.
Looking Forward
Release‑18 sets the stage for further 5G‑Advanced evolution. Future phases (Rel‑19 and beyond) will add:
- Expanded multi-user MIMO and massive beam capabilities.
- Advanced NTN features and regenerative satellite support.
- AI/ML enhancements for network intelligence and automation
Role of Passive Tools Like RantCell
Tools like RantCell are essential in these new environments. With Release‑18, validation requires:
- Measuring uplink throughput and latency.
- Verifying precise timing and synchronization.
- Testing geolocation accuracy.
- Assessing IoT devices and NTN-connected links.
- Monitoring MIMO and NTN performance metrics.
RantCell’s platform can gather this data from live networks and private test setups, including in experimental NTN use cases. Its ability to log Layer‑3 KPIs, throughput, signal quality, and time-coded events is well suited for Release‑18 network evaluations.
Summary
Finland and China have led early deployment of Release‑18:
- Finland’s build focused on enhanced broadband, upload speed, geolocation, and NTN readiness.
- China’s rollout included large-scale RedCap, NTN trials, smart city projects, and high‑speed urban networks.
Release‑18 delivers upgraded support for IoT, positioning, NTN, and XR. It refines network efficiency through better synchronization and MIMO enhancements. Future releases will layer in more intelligence and XR-ready capabilities. Tools like RantCell will help operators and enterprises verify and optimize these networks—ensuring reliable performance for new applications.
About RantCell
RantCell helps users test mobile network performance with ease. Whether you need to measure signal strength, run active tests like speed and latency, or capture Layer 3 data, RantCell works from a standard smartphone—no bulky tools needed. Used for both public and private network testing, it supports real-time reporting, remote control, and simple dashboard integration. Also read similar articles from here.
