After only 11 new 5G standalone networks were deployed in 2023, 5G SA growth is expected to accelerate this year, as demand increases for faster, more reliable connectivity, according to Ookla Speedtest Intelligence® data.
“5G SA deployments are expected to increase this year as adoption gains momentum and ecosystem matures,” Karim Yaici, the Lead Industry Analyst at Ookla, wrote. “However, many remain hesitant due to cost and the need to demonstrate clear business cases for 5G SA.”
Europe is the region that is expected to see the most growth, with 45 planned 5G SA launches, according to GSMA Intelligence. “A growing number of European operators are offering or planning to offer 5G SA, driven by a maturing device ecosystem,” Yaici reports.
There is plenty of room for growth, according to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association. 5G SA represented more than 37 percent of the 614 operators known to have invested in 5G.
India, the U.S., and Southeast Asia are leading 5G SA adoption, according to Ookla, with T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) and SK Telekom deploying it in 2020. Rogers Communications (NYSE: RCI) deployed 5G SA in Canada in 2022. Chinese Mobile, China Telecom, Unicom in China and Jio in India have been active in 5G SA, as well.
As far as performance is concerned, the U.A.E. and South Korea have achieved leading 5G SA download speeds of 879.89 Mbps and 729.89 Mbps, respectively, Ookla reported.
By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor
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