In 5G, there is Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA). The difference comes down to how they operate. To put it simply, NSA is like adding a super fast, solid-state hard drive to an old computer, which can improve the system’s performance. SA on the other hand is replacing that old computer with one that supports newer technologies and increased performance. NSA is what carriers began offering, and makes up most of what we’re using in the US. This 5G service is operating with the LTE network. SA 5G is running on the newer frequencies, which promises users more bandwidth and lower latency.
In a bold move to surpass the major carriers (i.e. T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T), Dish Network, which has no LTE network, is building out a standalone 5G network. T-Mobile is still at the top however, while AT&T still in the testing phases. Verizon doesn’t have much of a timeline at this point, but we suspect they are getting quite close to T-Mobile. In a recent interview with Fierce Wireless, a Verizon spokesperson said, “We currently have traffic running on our 5G SA core and will continue to align its larger rollout with the ecosystem advancements in applications and solutions that will eventually require the advanced capabilities a standalone core will enable.”
In comparison to our neighbors in Canada, Rogers Communications is just now starting to roll out their SA 5G core. When we see the advancements made overseas – like adding 5G to airports in Japan, it’s easy to see how far behind we are in North America.
That being said, it’s important to remember that while we have 5G in the US, not all 5G is the same. Most of the time, you’re going to have a device with limited 5G frequency support and/ or be in a location where only NSA 5G is available. Therefore, performance will be much like it is over LTE.
