Ericsson and MediaTek have completed what the companies describe as the first end-to-end trial of high-precision outdoor positioning on a commercial 5G network. The demonstration utilized standardized 3GPP technology for Global Navigation Satellite System Real-Time Kinematic (GNSS RTK) to achieve location accuracy better than 30 centimeters.
The test relied on a standard handset antenna rather than specialized external hardware. Ericsson supplied the 5G Core, Network Location services, and radio infrastructure, while MediaTek provided its latest modem technology to process GNSS corrections in real time. The system delivered correction data through the 5G network using the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP).
The technology is built on 3GPP Release 16 standards and supports both unicast and broadcast delivery methods. Unicast transmission sends correction data directly to individual devices, whereas broadcast allows the same information to be distributed to all compatible devices within a specific network cell simultaneously.
Ericsson stated that this capability could support applications requiring precise location data, including autonomous vehicles, drones, and industrial robots. The companies noted that the approach eliminates the need for proprietary positioning systems.
Johan Hultell, head of product RAN software at Ericsson, called the result a milestone for the 5G ecosystem. He said the collaboration aims to make high-precision location services more accessible to device manufacturers and enterprises, potentially accelerating adoption in manufacturing and transport sectors.
