A 5G roadmap from NSA to SA

The next generation of cellular networks, 5G, promises to bring revolutionary new capabilities to transform how we work and play. But what are the exact benefits that 5G offers, and what is the technological roadmap for businesses to migrate from 4G to the two iterations of 5G currently being deployed in Singapore?

But first, what advantages does 5G have over 4G? The benefits are many and range from ultra-fast mobile data speeds of over 1Gbps initially (and up to 10Gbps and higher eventually) with extremely low latency and heightened reliability to empower a new generation of cutting-edge applications.

However, 5G isn’t just a better performing variant of 4G. It supports brand new capabilities and mobile use cases that benefit businesses and users alike. By harnessing 5G’s performance, low latency, and scalability, enterprises can drive greater efficiencies and make better and more cost-effective decisions, as well as deliver richer customer experiences.

For instance, Singtel is working with global cloud gaming provider Ubitus, on a 5G cloud gaming trial¹. Rich graphics can be processed on powerful, dedicated servers within the cloud, and the gaming experience delivered to users with 85 per cent lower latency compared to gaming on 4G.

Singtel also unveiled Singapore’s first 24-hour unmanned telco store² that is powered by 5G in September. The moveable, pop-up retail store allows customers to replace SIM cards, sign up for plans on the spot, or even purchase a new handset around-the-clock.

It is worth pointing out the two main iterations of 5G: NSA and SA: 5G non-standalone (NSA) reuses existing 4G facilities for certain aspects of communicating with mobile devices, with cutting-edge 5G radio systems performing the actual communication with 5G devices. On the other hand, 5G standalone (SA) works on an independent network designed and deployed from the ground up solely to support 5G.

With 5G NSA, network operators can make 5G available much faster. Business adopters can hence evaluate 5G capabilities earlier to deliver high performance connectivity, virtual reality applications, an immersive media experience, or new use cases around 5G IoT. And as new capabilities around 5G are developed, businesses can leverage them to gain a competitive advantage.

Unsurprisingly, many telecommunication operators are deploying 5G NSA to roll out 5G as quickly as possible. In Singapore, Singtel’s 5G NSA will run alongside its 4G cellular networks ensuring companies can explore the potential of 5G-enabled applications and services without delay. 5G SA won’t be far behind, however. In October 2020, we launched Singapore’s first 5G standalone trial network for enterprises³.

So how can businesses transition from 5G NSA to SA? Is there a technological and economic roadmap for doing so? Fortunately, our deployment of 5G SA infrastructure to meet the 2025 deadline as stipulated by IMDA will have no impact on existing 5G users. Where front-end devices are concerned, mobile devices that support dual mode 5G devices will be able to operate on either 5G NSA or SA networks.

Enterprises that acquire these devices can hence continue to use them and can confidently deploy new 5G capabilities without worrying about incompatibilities. The future of business with 5G starts now. Around the world, 5G is expected to spur innovation and create exciting opportunities across multiple industries. It is also expected to create a digital ecosystem that will accelerate digital transformation.

In Singapore, Singtel has successfully developed ten 5G use cases together with more than 20 start-ups and enterprises since the launch of our 5G Garage with Ericsson and Singapore Polytechnic in January 2019.

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¹ Ubitus trials cloud gaming on Singtel SA 5G network Mobile World Live, 8 October 2020.

² Visit Singapore’s first 24hr unmanned store CNA Lifestyle, June 2019.

³ Singtel launches Singapore’s first 5G standalone trial network for enterprises Singtel, News Releases, October 2020.