The global 5G market keeps expanding, but standalone adoption still trails.
The Global mobile Suppliers Association says over 390 operators run commercial 5G networks. Yet only 98 operators had launched 5G standalone services by October 2026.
That gap matters for operators, enterprises, and device makers. Standalone networks use a 5G core, not a 4G core. This enables key features like network slicing and better service control.
During a GSA webinar, Vaishali Purohit of FDM CCS Insight said standalone deployment “remains a subset of the wider 5G market.”
She added that operators still face a difficult migration path. They must fund new core systems and move users carefully. They also need to solve service issues during the transition.
“It is a transition that takes time,” she said.
This slow shift affects 5G RedCap, or reduced capability. RedCap targets devices that need moderate performance and lower cost. These include cameras, sensors, wearables, and industrial equipment.
GSA data shows 17 operators had launched RedCap services by September 2026. Four of those launches happened in 2026. Bharti Airtel and Telkomsel are also deploying RedCap services.
However, RedCap needs standalone networks to reach its full value. It also needs more devices, modules, and chipsets. Customers must also see enough reason to leave LTE or NB-IoT.
Meanwhile, fixed wireless access shows stronger commercial movement. GSA counted 276 operators offering 5G FWA services worldwide. Europe leads this segment, with 108 operators offering services.
LTE FWA still leads overall, with 453 global launches. Yet momentum appears to be moving toward 5G FWA.
Luke Pearce of FDM CCS Insight said GSA sees “quite a big transition in our data from LTE to 5G FWA, especially over the last few months.”
He added that 5G FWA offers much faster speeds than LTE FWA. This supports stronger broadband offers where fiber remains unavailable.
Still, standalone coverage creates another challenge. Many FWA deployments serve rural areas without fiber. These areas often lack standalone 5G coverage too.
“A lot of FWA applications are in areas that don’t have fibre coverage … they’re rural areas. That’s even less likely to have a 5G standalone deployment at the moment,” he said.
Customer equipment also adds cost pressure. Standalone FWA needs compatible premises devices. That can slow adoption in price-sensitive markets.
GSA also tracked growth in 5G-Advanced. By October 2026, 41 operators were investing in it. Nineteen had already launched services.
China Unicom and U Mobile recently launched 5G-Advanced services. Asia-Pacific leads investment, with 18 operators involved.
Satellite-to-device services also continue gaining attention. GSA found 113 operators investing through 123 partnerships. Of these, 23 partnerships have launched a service.
Private wireless remains another active area. GSA counted 2,031 organizations deploying private wireless networks. Nearly half use 5G, with manufacturing showing the strongest demand.
Spectrum policy also stays important. GSA recorded 18 completed 5G auctions in the past year. Twelve took place in 2026.
For now, the market shows strong activity but uneven progress. Operators want advanced services, but investment timing remains critical. Standalone 5G may define the next phase of real value.
