Ericsson and MediaTek achieve high-precision 5G positioning

Ericsson and MediaTek have completed the world’s first end-to-end test of high-precision outdoor positioning using a commercial 5G network. By utilizing 3GPP-standardized Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology, the partners achieved stable outdoor positioning accuracy of less than 30 centimeters.

The solution integrates RTK correction data into 5G infrastructure via the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP). This method eliminates the requirement for proprietary systems or complex external hardware to reach high precision. The test demonstrated that sub-30 cm accuracy can be achieved using a handset’s built-in antenna, though geodetic-grade antennas could enable even finer centimeter-level precision.

This breakthrough is intended for mission-critical industrial and autonomous applications, such as the safe operation of drones, industrial robots, and autonomous vehicles in complex environments. The system is based on 3GPP Release 16 standards, ensuring global scalability and interoperability through both Unicast and Broadcast methods.