Ericsson ERIC 0.00%↑ unveiled a suite of advanced 5G location services Wednesday, promising unprecedented accuracy for enterprise and critical applications on commercial networks, as the telecom giant seeks to help carriers capitalize on precise positioning technology. The offering, set for release in the first quarter of 2026, integrates into Ericsson’s 5G core and targets sectors like manufacturing, healthcare and public safety.
The technology boasts sub-10 centimeter outdoor precision using real-time kinematics and sub-1 meter accuracy indoors, enabling seamless transitions between environments without additional hardware or sensors. It supports scalable applications such as vehicle tracking, drone operations and large-scale geofencing, while improving device battery life over satellite alternatives. Ericsson said the services will work with any 5G device and include developer-friendly APIs for easy integration.
“With the launch of 5G Advanced Location Services we are evolving the value of 5G Standalone networks,” said Monica Zethzon, head of core networks at Ericsson. “This innovation gives CSPs the precision and scalability to create differentiated services based on location capabilities.” Industry analyst Caroline Gabriel of Analysys Mason added: “Ericsson’s integrated approach to indoor and outdoor positioning sets a new benchmark in the industry.”
The move positions Ericsson to expand revenue streams for communications service providers amid growing demand for location-based solutions in automotive, agriculture and beyond. It also addresses challenges like population density tracking and mission-critical operations, potentially boosting adoption of 5G standalone networks.
Rivals such as Nokia NOK 0.00%↑, Huawei and Qualcomm QCOM 0.00%↑ are also advancing similar 5G positioning technologies, intensifying competition in the race to dominate enterprise-grade location services. Ericsson’s early commercial rollout could give it an edge, with compatible devices expected in the same quarter.
