The new technology can largely extend the 5G service application scenario.
On June 21, 2021, China Mobile and ZTE completed the commercial validation of the first R16-based UTDOA. Based on ordinary terminals, the technology can achieve indoor high-precision positioning better than two meters. At the same time, the technology supports batch subscription of location information, which makes it possible to apply the 5G positioning service scale to factories, supermarkets, airports, parks and other typical industries. It finally can promote the integration of 5G innovative services, such as 5G positioning and traditional satellite, Bluetooth, and UWB.
However, R16 is not enough for some industrial Internet of things (iIoT) applications, such as indoor item tracking, and AGV tracking. R17 is considering further enhance its functions and improve the indoor positioning accuracy to centimeter-level, which is very important for 5G applications. In the future, the two companies plan to continue to carry out scheme innovation to further improve the positioning accuracy.