Step into the next-gen connectivity era with 5G SA

Many enterprises have long invested in 4G infrastructures to support their communication needs. With the advent of 5G, companies currently rely on a combination of 4G and 5G non-standalone (NSA) networks to power their operations.

But it’s time to move on. APAC is now progressing towards 5G interoperability, and enterprises are stepping into a new phase of 5G standalone (SA) networks.

What is 5G SA? Simply put, it is pure 5G. Unlike NSA, which relies on existing 4G infrastructure to operate, 5G SA is a pure 5G network that supports all three 5G capabilities:

●       enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB),

●       Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and

●       massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC).

You can configure your network to harness specific 5G capabilities based on your use case. For instance, the Internet of Things (IoT) would require an emphasis on mMTC, while ultra-high-definition video would need a network optimised for URLLC. Although NSA supports enhanced mobile broadband, it falls short in terms of IoT and ultra-reliable low-latency communications.

By utilising 5G SA, you can unlock the full potential of 5G, enabling the creation of new and innovative solutions that were previously unattainable. For example, faster and more efficient data transfer with ultra-high speeds and low latency; improved remote operations and real-time monitoring with complex applications like remote surgery, smart manufacturing, and autonomous driving; enhanced customer experiences with augmented, virtual, or mixed reality applications; and more.

APAC accelerates 5G SA with these groundbreaking achievements:

In January 2023, a top Korean technology company successfully showed, for the first time, network slicing using RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) on a live 5G SA network.¹ This makes it easier to manage and improve the network, leading to better performance and a more enjoyable experience for users. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Nokia's Bell Labs Consulting is designing the first-ever 5G SA network in the country, aiming to deploy differentiated services across various customer segments and ultimately promote economic growth.²

In February 2023, the 5G ecosystem achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the first-ever intercontinental 5G SA roaming connection between Europe and Southeast Asia in a lab environment, using live SIMs and devices.³ This breakthrough lays the foundation for future advancements in 5G roaming and can potentially transform the way people travel.

In Singapore, Singtel has been working on 5G SA for some time now and was the first operator to launch such a network in the country. In May 2021, we partnered with Ericsson to launch our 5G SA network, transforming network domains including radio, transport, core, and Business Support Systems (BSS) and Operations Support Systems (OSS).⁴ This empowered us to innovate consumer services and enterprise solutions beyond connectivity.

By July 2022, we achieved over 95% 5G SA nationwide coverage in the country. Singtel’s 5G network covers more than 1,300 outdoor locations and over 400 in-building and underground sites, making immersive experiences possible for consumers and enterprises.

Despite these developments, APAC enterprises will still need support. On one hand, they can capitalise on the expanding 5G SA networks to create advanced applications not possible with 4G or 5G NSA networks. On the other hand, they must tackle some implementation hurdles.

For instance, the 5G ecosystem brings together diverse industry partners, enabling the convergence of IT infrastructure, connectivity, and devices. To achieve this holistically, companies need qualified staff, system policies, and other crucial factors for managing the network, connections, and data.

Collaborate with Singtel to tap into our network coverage, experience, and capabilities and truly unlock 5G SA’s potential. Singtel has a range of innovative solutions, including Paragon, Genie, and 5G Garage, to help you test, develop, and trial 5G solutions.

Paragon streamlines the adoption process by offering an all-in-one platform for 5G networks, edge computing, and services orchestration. Paragon lets you create on-demand network slices and deploy 5G applications on Singtel's multi-access edge compute infrastructure (MEC). You can integrate analytics and augmented, virtual, or mixed reality technologies easily.

Genie is the world's first portable 5G platform. You can easily set it up to trial 5G capabilities on your premises without installing prior infrastructure. By deploying Genie at any location, your company can create an independent 5G network for testing purposes or temporary events.

And if your company wants a neutral testing ground, visit Singtel's 5G Garage, a live test facility, training centre, and ideation lab where Singapore's first 5G SA trial network was deployed.

By partnering with an expert like Singtel, you can tap a partner ecosystem for co-creating innovative 5G solutions that unlock new markets and drive business revenue. You can also access integrated, security-by-design solutions for holistic enterprise protection.

Contact us today to learn how you can power up your enterprise's 5G capabilities.

References:

1. Computer Weekly, Samsung completes KDDI 5G SA network slicing field trial, inks Nokia patent licence, 2023.

2. Capacity, Nokia to deploy first 5G SA network in the Philippines, 2023.

3. Telecom Talk, First 5G SA Roaming Connection Between Europe and Southeast Asia Established, 2023.

4. Ericsson, Singtel - the first and most powerful 5G standalone network in Singapore, 2021.