During the period from November 25th to December 1st, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. “Very affordable and very quick” – plug-and-play private 5G
At the Industrial Wireless Forum, Moso Networks, in collaboration with Druid Software and X2nSat, introduced a plug-and-play private 5G solution. It features three-minute deployment, replicable blueprints, and flexible scalability, shielding users from the technical complexity of 3GPP standards and being suitable for enterprises of various sizes. The solution has been deployed in remote scenarios for US utilities (such as dams and power stations), combining satellite backhaul to provide critical communications, thereby lowering the deployment barriers and costs of private 5G.
2. T-Mobile US throws 5G portfolio at Las Vegas GP
T-Mobile US provided 5G and 5G-Advanced network support for the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix. Through the SuperMobile platform, it deployed seven customized network slices, combined with C-band and millimeter-wave spectrum, as well as Cells on Wheels (COWs) to enhance coverage. The solution includes edge computing and the first-time launch of T-Priority security service, meeting multi-scenario demands such as live broadcasting and payments, ensuring highly reliable race communications.
3. How open source, AI, and automation will finally monetise 5G and forge the path to 6G
Over 350 operators globally have launched 5G networks, but the expected trillion-dollar revenue growth in the enterprise sector has not materialized, hindered by factors such as NSA architecture and high costs. The industry is turning to open source, AI, and automation for breakthroughs: open-source architectures reduce operational costs and avoid vendor lock-in; AI helps improve network energy efficiency by 10%-20% and enables fault prediction; automation simplifies operations. Establishing an efficient network foundation first, then advancing high-value enterprise services, paves the way for 5G monetization and the path to 6G.
4. Nokia, Telefónica Germany ink RAN deal to boost 5G expansion
Nokia renewed a five-year RAN agreement with Telefónica Germany, extending until 2030. Nokia will deploy its AI-ready AirScale RAN portfolio, including Habrok Massive MIMO, small cells, and IPAA+ antennas, to enhance 5G coverage and energy efficiency. Both parties will also advance network automation based on the MantaRay NM platform, supporting Telefónica Germany's goal of achieving nationwide 5G Standalone coverage by the end of 2025.
5. One NZ beefs up 5G coverage with customer input
Since the beginning of 2025, New Zealand's One NZ has upgraded or deployed 173 5G sites. Coverage optimization is prioritized based on user feedback from its "One Pin" system (marking issues like slow speeds or dropped calls). Nine new sites were added and twelve were upgraded last month. Currently, all its mobile sites support 4G, 5G coverage reaches 70% of the population, over half of its customers use 5G plans, and the company plans to shut down its 3G network by the end of December.
6. Samsung, SK Telecom ink AI-RAN deal
Samsung Electronics and SK Telecom signed a Memorandum of Understanding focusing on AI-RAN technology cooperation for 6G. They will jointly develop core technologies like AI channel estimation and distributed MIMO. Samsung will lead solution development, while SK Telecom will provide operational data and a nationwide test environment for validation. Their joint proposal has been recognized by the AI-RAN Alliance, contributing to global 6G standardization and strengthening industry competitiveness.
7. Three Wi-Fi 8 features dependent on 6 GHz
The 6 GHz band lays a core foundation for Wi-Fi 6E/7/8. Wi-Fi 8 introduces three key features by redefining how this band is used: Multi-AP Coordination (MAPC), Enhanced Uplink (ELR/DRU), and Low-Latency Roaming. These functions rely on the wide channels and low interference of the 6 GHz band to meet deterministic performance requirements for AI-driven and industrial automation scenarios. The widespread global opening of the 6 GHz spectrum is key to unlocking the full potential of Wi-Fi 7/8.
8. VMO2 expands UK standalone 5G reach
UK operator VMO2 has deployed 5G Standalone (SA) services in Norfolk, covering multiple towns including Norwich, with outdoor coverage exceeding 90%. This provides faster speeds and lower latency for approximately 940,000 residents and business users in the area. The deployment is part of its £700 million mobile transformation plan. The company invests £2 million daily and will also expand 4G/5G coverage and deploy small cells, facilitating the adoption of future technologies like smart transportation.
9. ABI Research bullish on 5G network slicing surge
ABI Research forecasts that the global 5G network slicing market will grow from USD 6.1 billion in 2025 to USD 67.5 billion in 2030, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 70%. The enterprise segment will account for 64% of total revenue in 2030, with the retail and sports stadiums sectors showing the fastest growth. The Asia-Pacific region currently leads with a 91% share. 5G Standalone (SA) deployment and terminal maturity are core drivers, with multiple operators having already launched commercialization.
10. Deutsche Telekom homes in on total 5G coverage
Deutsche Telekom added 145 new sites and upgraded 417 network locations in its home market in October. Its 5G coverage is now approaching that of 4G, reaching 99% of households. Key upgrades include providing priority switching to the mobile network for hybrid plan users, 85% of base stations using 10 Gb/s fiber backhaul, and a strategy to achieve comprehensive 5G coverage using low-band for wide coverage and mid-band for speed and latency assurance.