Reliance Jio has been leading the charge in India’s 5G race with its “True 5G” network, which is designed to not only improve internet speeds but also significantly extend smartphone battery life. During Jio’s Q2 FY25 earnings call, Kiran Thomas, President of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, shared that Jio’s standalone (SA) 5G infrastructure could improve smartphone battery life by 20-40%. This improvement comes thanks to strategic spectrum allocation, advanced power efficiency techniques, and intelligent network management. Here’s a look at how Jio’s True 5G network manages to achieve this technological leap.
How Standalone (SA) Architecture Benefits Battery Life
Unlike many telecom operators, Jio has adopted a Standalone (SA) architecture for its 5G network, diverging from the Non-Standalone (NSA) approach that many global providers and competitors in India, like Bharti Airtel, use. NSA networks rely on existing 4G infrastructure, which can limit the energy efficiency potential of 5G.
Jio’s SA network, on the other hand, is built from the ground up to fully leverage 5G capabilities without depending on 4G infrastructure. Here’s how this approach impacts battery life:
1.Efficient Spectrum Allocation: Jio has deployed the 700MHz band for rural areas and the 3.5GHz band for urban regions, while reserving the 26GHz mmWave band for high-capacity use cases. By assigning spectrum bands based on demand and location, Jio’s network optimises power usage, leading to longer smartphone battery life.
2.Lower Latency: The standalone architecture reduces latency, allowing devices to enter low-power modes more effectively between tasks, extending battery life.
Key Technologies Contributing to Battery Efficiency
Jio’s SA 5G network incorporates a range of innovative technologies designed to optimise smartphone energy consumption. Here’s a breakdown of some of these cutting-edge solutions:
1.Voice over New Radio (VoNR): Jio has implemented VoNR technology, which routes voice calls over the 5G network. This helps improve call quality, reduces call setup time, and consumes less energy compared to routing calls over LTE. The result is longer battery life and better call quality for users.
2.User Equipment (UE) Layer Management: Jio’s network employs layer management based on the device’s capability, which is crucial for effective carrier aggregation. This optimises device performance and reduces power demands, further enhancing battery life.
3.Intelligent Spectrum Management and Network Slicing: The telecom giant uses AI and machine learning-driven spectrum management to allocate bandwidth efficiently, ensuring that only the necessary power is used for each application. Through network slicing, different services can receive customised network resources, reducing power consumption by tailoring connectivity to specific needs.
4.Beam Management and Traffic Steering: Beamforming and steering technology are essential in Jio’s 5G network. By directing energy only where it’s needed, Jio reduces the power required by the smartphone to maintain a stable connection, which results in improved battery life.
Enhanced Positioning Accuracy Without GPS Dependency
Jio’s True 5G network also offers enhanced location accuracy that relies less on GPS, potentially reducing GPS-related battery drain. By calculating the location based on each beam’s angle of arrival, Jio’s network can achieve positioning accuracy within 10 meters, providing a power-saving alternative to constant GPS usage.
Expanding the Potential of 5G in India
The features of Jio’s True 5G extend beyond just battery life improvements:
•Better Coverage and Reliability: Using a combination of low, mid, and high-frequency bands, Jio’s network is designed to provide consistent coverage across rural and urban areas. The 700MHz band ensures long-distance coverage in rural areas, while the high-frequency mmWave band supports high-density urban regions.
•Future-Ready Network Infrastructure: Jio’s reliance on an SA 5G network, coupled with programmable network capabilities, positions it well for future technological advancements, such as the anticipated integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart city applications.
A Major Leap for Indian Telecom Technology
Reliance Jio’s decision to adopt an SA 5G model, combined with the advanced battery-optimising technologies it brings, represents a pivotal shift in India’s telecom landscape. With 5G networks typically known for high energy consumption, Jio’s focus on energy efficiency highlights its commitment to providing sustainable, user-friendly technology solutions.