Using RIS to go around, rather than through, obstacles
Please sign in or register for a free public account to access this report.
This report is the first part of a new series – called 5G Next – to better understand the next phase of the 5G era and to highlight promising technology innovations that are shaping networks. This report explores reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) solutions, which can help with the delivery of cost-efficient 5G deployment and make more economical use of higher spectrum bands in indoor and dense urban environments. The control of radio frequency signal reflections has now reached a level of development where operators can consider using an intermediate network element between base station antennas and user equipment. RIS innovation can help operators in terms of capex-efficient network densification, operational cost efficiencies (mostly electricity) and increased coverage. Of course, as with any cutting-edge innovation, there are also risks and challenges to consider.
Related research
5G in Context, Q2 2025
This quarterly review of global 5G developments provides a concise, tracker-style deliverable, presenting key metrics and forecasts in an easy-to-access and engaging way. GSMA Intelligence has aggregated the latest data on 5G connections and adoption, as well as information on network trials/launches and spectrum assignments.
Mobile Data Deck, Q2 2025
The GSMA Intelligence Mobile Data Deck offers a fast track to all the essential data you need to know, with key mobile metrics in one easy-to-use deck of charts. The forecasts to 2030 include connections by region and technology generation, smartphone connections and adoption, and mobile operator revenue.
Region in Focus: Middle East and North Africa, Q2 2025
The Region in Focus series provides an essential quarterly briefing on industry developments, market insights and country KPIs for mobile markets around the world. This Q2 2025 edition focuses on analysis of the latest developments for Q2 2025, while providing country KPIs for the year to March 2025.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
5G in Context, Q2 2025
This quarterly review of global 5G developments provides a concise, tracker-style deliverable, presenting key metrics and forecasts in an easy-to-access and engaging way. GSMA Intelligence has aggregated the latest data on 5G connections and adoption, as well as information on network trials/launches and spectrum assignments.
Mobile Data Deck, Q2 2025
The GSMA Intelligence Mobile Data Deck offers a fast track to all the essential data you need to know, with key mobile metrics in one easy-to-use deck of charts. The forecasts to 2030 include connections by region and technology generation, smartphone connections and adoption, and mobile operator revenue.
Region in Focus: Middle East and North Africa, Q2 2025
The Region in Focus series provides an essential quarterly briefing on industry developments, market insights and country KPIs for mobile markets around the world. This Q2 2025 edition focuses on analysis of the latest developments for Q2 2025, while providing country KPIs for the year to March 2025.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics