Ericsson and MediaTek Achieve 10cm Outdoor Positioning Accuracy Over 5G

Ericsson and MediaTek announced the successful completion of the world's first end-to-end high-accuracy outdoor positioning test conducted over a commercial 5G network. The test achieved a positioning accuracy of 10 centimeters, a significant leap from the typical several meters accuracy of traditional GNSS systems.

The test leveraged 3GPP-standardized GNSS RTK (Real Time Kinematic) technology. This method uses a network of reference stations to generate correction data, which is then distributed to devices via the cellular network. Devices use this data to correct for signal delays and satellite errors in real-time, enabling high precision.

This solution integrates RTK correction data into the 5G infrastructure using the LTE Location Protocol (LPP). This allows for centimeter-level accuracy without reliance on proprietary systems or complex external hardware. Ericsson reports the system can maintain stable accuracy below 30 centimeters in outdoor environments.

The achievement is positioned as a major breakthrough for industrial and autonomous driving applications, where precise location data is mission-critical. Potential uses include autonomous vehicles, drones, and industrial robots operating in complex outdoor settings. The test utilized devices with built-in antennas, with centimeter-level accuracy achievable using geodetic-grade antennas.