5G Standalone (SA) is set to revolutionize mobile networks in the UK, surpassing existing deployments with its remarkable capabilities, as per Blessing Makumbe, Ericsson‘s Head of Cloud Software and Services in North Europe. In an interview at Ericsson’s Remixing 5G event, Makumbe highlighted the UK’s advancement in 5G SA availability, poised to offer unparalleled mobile experiences beyond the existing non-standalone 5G networks.
Makumbe emphasized, “We’re at a point now where the value of 5G SA is no longer being questioned.” He assured that the device ecosystem is fully equipped for extensive use. The ambitious coverage goals of the UK’s mobile operators, like EE targeting 99% population coverage by 2030, Virgin Media O2 planning availability in all populated areas, and VodafoneThree aiming for 99.95% by 2034, underline this optimism.
The significance of these developments extends beyond improved speed and reliability. Customers will enjoy new services, especially those offering guaranteed connectivity quality. Makumbe stated, “The main driver will be customer experience. You want something that will be guaranteed wherever you are, whatever you’re doing.” Research reveals users are ready to pay for these new services.
Network slicing is recognized as a remarkable feature of 5G SA, already being utilized in large-scale private networks for media and broadcasting by VodafoneThree. As 5G SA expands, this technology is expected to impact individual consumer experiences. Makumbe envisions a future where specific slices for large events transform into day-to-day occurrences, predicting a growing number of slices per operator.
The advantages of improved service quality extend to enterprise customers, offering numerous possibilities. Makumbe elaborated on the potential, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions. “Once you go to a port, for example, you begin to realize that there is a lot more that you can do in that space. It’s not just connectivity to enter and exit the port, it’s asset tracking, its surveillance, and its creating a lot of valuable data too,” he said.
While 5G SA offers vast potential for economic growth in the UK, its successful monetization by operators is yet to be determined. As mobile technology shapes the future, the industry continues to explore its possibilities at the upcoming Mobile World Congress, where Ericsson will unveil their innovations in the fields of AI, autonomous networks, and next-generation mission-critical solutions.
