AT&T has announced the full launch of its standalone (SA) 5G network across the United States. Millions of subscribers are now gaining access to the evolution of a new communication standard capable of significantly changing the approach to digital services, mobile internet, and the Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure. The scale of the event highlights how the deployment of SA 5G may affect communication quality, business opportunities, and the pace of digital transformation across the country.

What a Standalone 5G Network Is and Why It Matters

In traditional mobile 5G networks, a so-called non-standalone (NSA) architecture was often used, where the new generation of connectivity relied on the core of the previous 4G/LTE standard. It’s like a high-speed train running on old tracks — its speed and potential are limited by the outdated foundation. A standalone 5G network (SA 5G) is built on its own independent core, which makes it possible to realize the key technological advantages of the new mobile era.

Among the main advantages of SA 5G are:

  • Significantly lower data transmission latency, which is critical for remote control and real-time online services.
  • Increased speed and connection density, especially important for large-scale events and dynamic urban environments.
  • New opportunities for developing corporate services, automation, and the Internet of Things, thanks to a flexible network architecture.
  • Improved energy efficiency of devices connected to the network.

In recent years, a new term has emerged within the 5G ecosystem — RedCap (Reduced Capability). It is a lightweight version of the 5G standard designed for wearable electronics, IoT sensors, and smart gadgets that do not require high bandwidth. RedCap allows new devices to operate within the 5G network with minimal battery and network load, paving the way for large-scale implementations in smart cities and industrial sectors.

How AT&T Deployed Its Fully Standalone 5G Network

AT&T’s journey toward SA 5G began in 2020, when the company first announced its plans to modernize its infrastructure. The first commercial connections took place two years later, and by the fall of 2024, the operator declared nationwide coverage. According to Yigal Elbaz, Senior Vice President of AT&T and Network CTO, “It’s not only important to be first, but to build a network you can rely on.” This statement reflects the operator’s strategy — a focus on reliability and scalability.

Today, millions of users are already connected to the new infrastructure. Moreover, the company has announced plans for further coverage expansion as new devices with SA 5G support become available and connection procedures improve. The first devices to fully take advantage of SA 5G included the latest generations of Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and SE 3, as well as smartphones and smart-home solutions.

An AT&T spokesperson told Mobile World Live that “enhanced SA 5G capabilities are now available to private and business customers, as well as to the IoT sector and wireless home internet users.” The process of transitioning all the operator’s services to the standalone 5G network continues and includes a steady increase in the number of supported devices.

Competitors and Strategy Comparison

The U.S. market situation is far from clear-cut. T-Mobile US launched its own standalone 5G network back in 2020, focusing on the low-frequency 600 MHz band. This allowed the company to quickly cover most of the country, though it came with limitations in data transmission speed. The company’s approach emphasized wide coverage and accessibility for the mass market. Representatives of T-Mobile also noted that low frequencies provide a reliable foundation for future innovations.

Verizon began its transition to SA 5G in 2022, following a series of user trials and service prototypes. In California, the operator employs two bands — 3700 MHz and 850 MHz — providing a combination of high speed and stable coverage. In 2023, Verizon’s leadership publicly announced plans to develop new services based on SA 5G, illustrating the high level of competition among the three major national operators.

Ultimately, each company pursues a different strategy: some focus on mass accessibility and low-cost implementation, while others prioritize advanced services and high throughput. This competition drives technological breakthroughs, giving consumers more options and better quality of choice.

What Changes for Users and Businesses

The introduction of SA 5G opens new horizons for various market segments. Private subscribers gain access to faster mobile internet that remains stable even under heavy network loads. For corporate clients and industrial enterprises, the opportunities are even broader:

  • Flexible configuration of virtual networks for individual customers.
  • High-speed, stable connections for unmanned vehicles and critical infrastructure.
  • Support for large-scale deployment of smart devices through RedCap.

The advantages of this new technology will be especially noticeable in the field of online entertainment — from streaming and cloud gaming to sports betting. In India, for example, the impact of 5G deployment will be felt particularly quickly: the contrast with current network levels is enormous, and digital services are developing rapidly. Even in states like Telangana, interest in online betting, especially cricket — the national sport — is growing. New specialized websites offering curated selections of betting platforms are emerging here, and one such collection can be viewed here. If 5G expansion continues at the same pace, the entertainment and betting industries will receive a dual boost — both technological and economic.

The Internet of Things is becoming a practical reality: factory sensors, health-tracking smart bands, and wireless video surveillance systems are all beginning to operate more efficiently on the standalone 5G platform. However, experts note that the main restraining factors remain limited support for new standards by most devices and the need for gradual upgrades to existing gadget fleets.

Technology Partners and Network Infrastructure

AT&T does not disclose all details about its equipment suppliers, but it is known that the company has a $14 billion contract with Ericsson, aimed at developing Open RAN (open radio access network) architecture. This approach enables flexible integration of solutions from different manufacturers, avoiding reliance on a single vendor. The operator also collaborates with other leading market players to accelerate scaling and enhance network security.

Significant resources and expertise are required to simultaneously transition various services — from voice communication to IoT — to the new architecture. This involves deploying new base stations, adapting software, and training personnel. In practice, such transformations also involve cybersecurity considerations, energy efficiency, and operational reliability.

Future Development and Market Challenges

AT&T has announced its intention to migrate all of its services to the SA 5G platform in the coming years. The number of smartphones, smartwatches, and IoT devices supporting the new standard is expected to continue growing. According to experts’ estimates, infrastructure investments will also keep increasing, as the demand for high-speed internet and digital services continues to rise.

The main challenges include:

  • Compatibility between old and new devices.
  • The need for investments in network equipment upgrades.
  • Competition from other operators developing their own SA 5G platforms.
  • Regulatory issues, including standardization and spectrum allocation.

Expert Opinions and Forecasts

According to Dave Bolan, Research Director at Dell’Oro Group, the implementation of standalone 5G networks paves the way for a variety of new digital services and innovations. Experts note that the potential of SA 5G is still only partially realized, with its full potential expected to unfold as more compatible devices emerge and edge computing — data processing at the network edge — becomes widespread.

However, specialists also highlight potential risks: the complexity of scaling, integrating legacy equipment, and ensuring stability nationwide. “The transition to SA 5G is not a sprint but a marathon,” emphasize industry analysts.