When we started 5G network deployments, it was planned to first implement 5G non-standalone (NSA) networks that used 4G infrastructure followed by standalone (SA) 5G networks that are separate, complete 5G networks. This year marks the first release of 5G SA networks as GSA has identified 47 operators in 24 countries worldwide that have been investing in public 5G SA networks (in the form of trials, planned or actual deployments). In addition, a number of these are testing or deploying 5G standalone technologies for private networks.

According to GSA in its latest August 2020 update, 2 operators are understood to have launched public 5G SA networks: T-Mobile in the USA using spectrum at 600 MHz nationwide and RAIN in parts of Cape Town in South Africa to support 5G FWA services. Telstra in Australia has deployed a 5G core network and that is ready to launch once a sufficient range of suitable devices is available in the Australian market. In addition to these three, at least nine other operators are understood to be planning initial 5G SA launches during 2020.

GSA also tracks the availability of 5G devices and is tracking 153 announced devices with claimed support for 5G standalone, from 39 vendors. 81 devices are already commercially available from 18 vendors.

Phones make up the large majority (nearly 73%) of the commercially available devices with claimed 5G SA support, followed by indoor and outdoor CPE and modules. Looking at the 72 devices that have been announced but not yet released commercially, modules account for nearly 42% of the group, with indoor/outdoor CPE and phones following at nearly 24% and nearly 21% respectively.

The majority of the announced 5G SA-capable devices support sub-6 GHz spectrum bands. Only 16 have confirmed mmWave support, and only five of those are understood to be commercially available. Apple recently announced one of its upcoming models will support mmWave so if they are doing it, everyone will since they are one of the more conservative adopters.