Today marks another bold leap into the future of wireless connectivity: AT&T’s 5G Standalone (SA) network is deployed nationwide, and we are thoughtfully moving customers onto it in select areas every day. When it comes to connectivity, it’s often not about who’s first or fastest, it’s about the network you can count on.
Not all 5G is created equal. For the past few years, much of the 5G in the U.S. has run in “Non-Standalone” (NSA) mode, which means it relied on older 4G LTE infrastructure. 5G standalone, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like: a fully independent 5G core and radio network, purpose-built for the new generation of wireless. By using a dedicated 5G core, it can unlock capabilities like faster upload speeds, ultra-low latency, ultra-high reliability and edge functions.
Just recently, we announced our 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology is also nationwide, marking a significant step forward in the advancement and expansion of our 5G network. The new Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 are all available on our nationwide 5G RedCap network and customers can look forward to a growing portfolio of devices.
We put the customer first. Our priority is to provide the best network experience, regardless of the technology. We focus on ensuring every innovation we introduce meets our high standards for quality and reliability instead of rushing something that might not be ready.
Today, 5G Standalone networks have now reached a level of maturity that enables our nationwide expansion. This growth is powered by an open and virtualized network, which enables us to scale efficiently and foster collaboration within an open ecosystem of partners. By embracing this open and virtualized network architecture, we are not only modernizing our infrastructure but also unlocking significant advantages for our customers and partners. This approach not only accelerates our ability to roll out new technologies like 5G Standalone but also helps ensure our customers benefit from a network that is robust, innovative, and designed with their needs in mind.
With 5G Standalone now nationwide, we’ve set the stage for the next wave of innovation, creativity, and connection. I couldn’t be prouder of our teams who made this possible, and we’ll continue to scale 5G Standalone over time and set the stage for next generation applications and services.