5G standalone (5G SA) is the next step in mobile connectivity, offering a fully independent 5G network that operates without relying on existing 4G infrastructure hence the name ‘standalone’.  

Key benefits of 5G SA include:  

• Consistent low latency: 5G standalone offers very fast response times, allowing for nearly real-time communication without any noticeable delay.

• Wider coverage: 5G standalone can use multiple 5G frequencies at once to greatly improve upload and download speeds over larger areas.

• Network slicing: Network slicing, a key feature of 5G standalone, lets operators divide the network into sections for different services, ensuring consistent performance even during busy times.

5G SA in action

The capabilities of 5G SA were recently highlighted through a successful real-world trial by BT of network slicing at Belfast’s Christmas Market. The trial showcased how a dedicated slice through 5G SA could enhance mobile payments, ensuring seamless transactions in a high-footfall environment.  

Fans were given a glimpse of the future thanks to 5G SA which was used by Vodafone in the packed out Principality Stadium in Cardiff for a Six Nations match earlier in February. Welsh rugby star Ellis Jenkins hosted a livestream watch-along on a reserved slice of the network. This slice also provided exclusive connectivity to rugby fans in the hospitality area, supporting data-heavy activities like sharing videos with family and friends as well as internet browsing.

Virgin Media O2 has successfully installed the UK’s first 5G standalone small cells in central Birmingham, boosting mobile connectivity for customers in some of the city’s busiest areas. Unlike traditional mobile towers, these compact small cells have been discreetly installed on existing street furniture, specifically targeting areas where demand for data is highest.  

The potential of 5G SA for businesses and consumers

The adoption of 5G SA will revolutionise industries by providing businesses with assured connectivity, critical for applications such as:

• Real-time data processing

• Smart cities and Internet of Things (IoT) expansion

• High-quality video streaming

• Advanced telemedicine services

As the UK’s mobile operators deploy 5G SA, businesses and consumers alike will experience the benefits of ultra-reliable, high-speed connectivity. Many of our industry leaders have made predictions on how 5G SA will make impact this year, take a look back to this blog here.

* Three doesn’t offer 5G Standalone at the time of writing but has set out its future direction via its merger with Vodafone.

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