Skip to main content

GNSS Positioning Expands the Breadth of 5G Network Capabilities

Published Date
Author John Sprivulis

The city is reshaping itself as the emergence of new technologies brings the reality of smart cities even closer. Smart cities make use of intelligent solutions, such as the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) to improve the quality of life and seamlessly connect people, products and services. In a 2022 study of global smart cities, the market is projected to grow from $511.6 billion in 2022 to $1024.4 billion by 2027. This growth is guided by global developments in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced chipsets and high-precision location technology.

Mobile network operators, heeding the growing demand for connected experiences, are looking to precise GNSS positioning data to enhance their location accuracy across a range of applications, including autonomous driving, public safety, worker safety, ground and mobile robotics, infrastructure monitoring, critical asset tracking and cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X).

Recently, Trimble and Ericsson worked together to assess precise positioning capabilities to provide a consistent user experience across borders, geographies, network protocols, etc. Trimble worked with Ericsson to integrate Trimble RTX® correction service into Ericsson's global location platform, Ericsson Network Location, to test its performance within the parameters of the fifth-generation cross-border control project (5GCroCo). The 5GCroCo project has carried out large-scale connected car trials along two 5G corridors that cross between France, Germany and Luxembourg. The trials have proved that seamless service continuity on 5G networks can be achieved across borders. The 5GCroCo trial demonstrated that, when available via Ericsson Network Location, Trimble RTX-based GNSS corrections streams provided consistent precise location data, setting the stage to integrate precise positioning on the network in multiple geographies. 


Underpinning 3GPP standards, the goal in adding precise positioning on the network is to enhance safety, drive greater performance, automate workflows, increase productivity and lower overhead whether on the road, in the field or in the air.  

With a connected future in reach, highly accurate GNSS correction capabilities will deliver a better end-to-end user experience. As 5G capabilities and technologies continue to drive connectivity and progress of the IoT, the role of precise positioning will gain even greater importance for the success of smart cities.