Despite the seemingly lagging global investment in standalone 5G networks, promising trends in the telecom sector indicate an upcoming surge. With minimal progress indicated by Global Mobile Suppliers Association’s statistics, the industry pins hopes on major moves from operators like New Zealand’s Spark and Vodafone. Meanwhile, the increasing adoption of 5G SA in private networks for various sectors shows an encouraging forecast. The journey towards profitable 5G investments seems complex, yet strides are being made in the right direction.
Network slicing has become a popular topic in telecoms discussions, particularly in relation to the benefits of 5G for industrial or business applications. It is believed to improve the reliability and performance of connectivity in situations where network congestion or mission-critical operations are at stake. With the rollout of 5G Standalone, network slicing is becoming an increasingly important aspect of B2B installations.
Vodafone UK’s launch of 5G Ultra, a standalone 5G service, marks a significant milestone in the UK telecom market, offering faster speeds and improved battery life. However, with limited device support and potential focus on B2B applications, will competitors follow suit?
KPN revolutionizes Netherlands’ 5G landscape with the introduction of 5G standalone, promising higher speeds, improved latency, and network slicing capabilities. Pioneering tests with Ericsson in cloud gaming applications showcase its immense potential for consumer and business applications, setting the stage for a 2024 rollout.
As 5G technology continues to mature, leading global wireless carriers are competing to be the first to advance from the non-standalone (NSA) mode of 5G, in which a 4G LTE core is combined with 5G capabilities, to a standalone architecture (SA) 5G network. T-Mobile US, one of the largest carriers providing wireless voice, messaging and data services in the United States, has announced the launch of its SA 5G network. The operator claims to be the first in the world with nationwide coverage using this next-generation wireless technology. In a news release, T-Mobile said that the launch expands its 5G coverage by 30 percent and will cover nearly 250 million people in more than 7,500 cities and towns throughout the US. With faster speeds, lower latency and huge connectivity capabilities, SA 5G signifies the launch of a 5G core network, ending the reliance on legacy LTE architecture. T-Mobile said SA…
BT and Nokia are teaming up for SailGP Portsmouth with a groundbreaking 5G setup. Using public and private 5G slices, the network boosts race operations, media, and fan experiences. This first-of-its-kind deployment highlights the power of network slicing and seamless connectivity.
MLGW is partnering with Nokia to launch the first private 5G standalone network for a U.S. utility, aiming to modernize its grid, boost efficiency, and improve service. This move reflects a growing trend in industrial 5G adoption, with enhanced automation, cybersecurity, and infrastructure integration paving the way for smarter utility operations.
Bharti Airtel and Ericsson have partnered to expand FWA across India, aiming to boost network capacity and data connectivity. The agreement supports 5G growth, improves infrastructure, and advances digital inclusion while enhancing service quality and efficiency for millions of users.
Nokia and Saudi Arabia’s telecom sector have tested indoor 5G Standalone network sharing with success. By using Nokia’s Shikra radios and core network software, operators like Zain and Mobily can provide high-speed 5G indoors efficiently, cutting costs and energy use.
Virgin Media O2 has ramped up its mobile network in Scotland, boosting 4G and 5G services across 13,000 postcodes. As part of a £700 million upgrade plan, the provider targets better coverage in urban areas and tourist spots.