5G SA network rollout accelerates

Vodafone Germany has completed the rollout of its 5G standalone (5G SA) network, covering 90% of the country’s population. The operator is promoting the superior capabilities of 5G SA networks, including higher bandwidths, shorter response times and the ability to connect up to 10 times more sensors. It also highlighted mobile gaming and AR/VR as two areas that will benefit from 5G SA networks.

After a slow start, momentum behind 5G SA rollouts is accelerating. GSMA Intelligence insights show that, as of September 2024, 57 operators had launched 5G SA networks while 88 had announced plans to launch. This makes a total of 145 operators across 63 countries. Aside from Vodafone Germany completing its rollout, operators that have launched 5G SA networks in the last three months include Free Mobile in France, EE in the UK and Cosmote in Greece. The ongoing rollout of 5G SA and the arrival of 5G-Advanced offer operators the promise of a new tool for delivering enhanced network performance and user experience, as well as innovative, revenue-enhancing services for consumers and enterprises.

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