5G's Rise Continues, but LTE Still Leads: IPLOOK Powers Core Network Convergence

5G’s Rise Continues, but LTE Still Leads: IPLOOK Powers Core Network Convergence According to the latest report from the GSA, while 5G is growing rapidly, LTE continues to play an indispensable role across the globe. As of May 2025, 633 operators in 188 countries and regions have invested in, deployed, or are testing 5G networks. In contrast, although LTE has seen only 18 new network deployments since 2022, it still boasts a massive user base of 6.6 billion—accounting for nearly two-thirds of all mobile users worldwide—demonstrating its enduring relevance and vitality.

LTE: A Veteran with Renewed Value

Despite the rise of 5G, LTE remains a cornerstone of global connectivity:

· 375 operators across 156 countries continue to invest in VoLTE (Voice over LTE) services.

· 375 operators are also committed to LTE-Advanced technologies.

· 440 operators in 172 countries have launched Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services based on LTE, helping bridge the digital divide.

Even though 5G has been commercially available since 3GPP Release 15, LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro technologies are still widely deployed, supporting critical connectivity scenarios.

5G: The New Frontier, but Not a Replacement

5G has evolved rapidly from NSA to SA architecture, offering ultra-low latency, massive connectivity, and high bandwidth—making it a top investment priority for operators. However, many 5G deployments still rely on LTE core networks for anchoring and integration. As such, LTE and 5G will continue to coexist and evolve collaboratively for the foreseeable future.

Seamless Integration with IPLOOK’s 4G/5G Converged Core Network Solution

In a landscape where 5G is accelerating and LTE remains vital, IPLOOK offers a comprehensive and future-proof portfolio to enable smooth network evolution:

Flexible 5G Core Network (5GC)

IPLOOK’s 5GC supports both SA and NSA modes, offering operators a seamless migration path from LTE to 5G. This reduces transition costs and accelerates commercial deployment.

Robust and Proven EPC Platform

Fully compliant with 3GPP standards, IPLOOK’s EPC supports LTE, LTE-Advanced, VoLTE, VoWiFi, and NB-IoT, making it a reliable foundation for today’s mainstream networks.

Converged Architecture for Efficiency

IPLOOK’s 4G/5G converged core network solution enables simultaneous support for both 4G and 5G users. A unified management platform streamlines operations, optimizes cross-generation resource sharing, and enhances service consistency—reducing operational costs and complexity.

Customization for FWA and Enterprise 5G Use Cases

With flexible features like local deployment, compact architecture, and edge computing, IPLOOK’s core network is well-suited for diverse 5G scenarios such as FWA, smart manufacturing, and industrial campuses.

Global Reach with Scalable Delivery

IPLOOK’s solutions are deployed in over 50 countries, serving mobile network operators, MVNOs, private network builders, and vertical industry clients with differentiated and scalable core network capabilities.

In today’s fast-moving 5G era, LTE is far from obsolete. Instead, it continues to complement 5G with maturity and stability. IPLOOK remains committed to advancing core network innovation—empowering operators to succeed across both LTE and 5G landscapes.

IPLOOK Contacts

info@iplook.com

+85253392231

IPLOOK Networks

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