Ericsson’s 5G Advanced location based services (LBS) offering is a comprehensive suite of innovations designed to redefine location-based services across commercial 5G Standalone (SA) networks. Set for release in Q1 2026, it makes Ericsson the leader in 5G positioning technology, offering a scalable and fully integrated solution on top of Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core network.

By embedding positioning as a core 5G SA network capability, Ericsson 5G Advanced location services enables Communications Service Providers (CSPs) to monetize precise location services and expand beyond traditional mobile offerings into verticals such as manufacturing, healthcare, public safety, automotive, drones, and more.

Key benefits:

• High Accuracy: Down to sub-meter for indoor and sub-10 cm for outdoor positioning, enabling precise tracking
• Scalability: Scalable, precise positioning for outdoor applications (automotive, agriculture, drones)
• Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Coverage: Unified 5G positioning technology for both environments.
• Developer & Device Friendliness: No need for device-side apps; improved battery life compared to satellite-based solutions
• Support for Large-Scale Use Cases: Enables massive geofencing, population density analysis, and tracking use cases.

Monica Zethzon, Head of Core Networks, Ericsson, says: “With the launch of 5G Advanced Location Services we are evolving the value of 5G Standalone networks. This innovation gives CSPs the precision and scalability to create differentiated services based on location capabilities.”

Caroline Gabriel, Partner at Analysys Mason, says: “Ericsson’s integrated approach to indoor and outdoor positioning sets a new benchmark in the industry. It addresses critical pain points for operators and enterprises, particularly in sectors where location accuracy is mission-critical.”

The global market for 5G positioning is in its early stages but poised for rapid growth, driven by demand for enhanced precision in diverse sectors. Ericsson’s solution responds to this demand with scalable, developer-friendly capabilities that improve device battery life compared to legacy systems.

This launch further strengthens Ericsson’s location solutions based on Real-Time Kinematics technology, with related devices from Ericsson planned for Q1 2026.

Photo Credit: Ericsson

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• Integrated Positioning: Positioning is built into the 5G Standalone (SA) architecture, moving beyond traditional GPS reliance.
• High Accuracy & Efficiency: New techniques improve accuracy (e.g., bandwidth aggregation, carrier-phase measurements) and reduce power consumption for devices.
• AI/ML Integration: Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning is applied to enhance positioning accuracy, especially for challenging scenarios like beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS).
• Support for New Devices/Apps: Enables precise tracking for wearables, industrial sensors (RedCap), augmented reality (AR), drone control, and smart grids.
• Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS): Focus on reliable positioning for industrial and public safety applications where line-of-sight isn’t guaranteed.
• Reduced Power: Solutions target lower power usage, crucial for IoT devices. 

• Release 18 (5G Advanced Start): Finalized mid-2024, introduced major LBS enhancements, including RedCap positioning, bandwidth aggregation, and carrier-phase support.
• Release 19 (Ongoing): Continues the evolution, extending LTM (L1/L2-triggered Mobility) and further exploring AI/ML for mobility and positioning.
• Release 20 & Beyond: Will build on these foundations, further evolving towards 6G capabilities. 

References:

https://www.ericsson.com/en/press-releases/2026/1/5g-advanced-location-services

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