What is 5G Standalone?

We’ve come a long way since the first call on Vodafone’s network, more than 40 years ago. From the original mobile devices, often the size and weight of a car battery, to the sleek smartphones that are ubiquitous today.

Today’s mobile experience is of course about much more than just calls. We’re streaming entertainment, playing games, working and banking, all with just a few taps. As more people get connected and data usage grows, our networks need to work harder.

Enter 5G Standalone (5GSA) – an important evolution in mobile technology. Unlike earlier 5G deployments that rely on existing 4G core infrastructure (known as Non-Standalone or NSA), 5GSA runs on a dedicated network built for 5G. This fully independent setup delivers lower latency, greater efficiency, and unlocks advanced capabilities like network slicing and improved battery performance – features not fully supported in NSA networks.

How does 5GSA differ from standard 5G?

While current 5G services already offer impressive speeds – typically between 150–200 Mbps, perfect for smooth 4K streaming and high-quality video calls - 5GSA takes things further. It can deliver speeds around ten times faster than 4G, extend battery life by up to 25%, and provide broader, more reliable coverage.

This promises many benefits for consumers and businesses alike, as our video below explains.

Enriching digital experiences for consumers

For consumers, the increased speed of 5GSA will bring a smoother, faster experience for any task involving mobile data.

And because 5GSA eliminates the need for devices to connect to both 4G and 5G networks simultaneously, it reduces power usage during data transmission. This can extend a device’s battery life by making it more efficient throughout the day.

The increased capacity of 5GSA also makes a big difference in high demand settings, such as stadiums and festivals. With the ability to support up to one million devices per square kilometre, it ensures that everyone stays connected—even in the busiest crowds.

For example, festivalgoers can upload videos and photos instantly, share live moments with friends, and stream performances without frustrating delays.

Powering smarter business operations

And it’s not just consumers who benefit. Businesses who rely on connectivity can also drive value from 5GSA’s increased speed and capacity.

One of 5GSA’s most powerful features is network slicing, which allows a single physical network to be divided into multiple virtual networks—each tailored to specific business needs. For example, one slice could be optimised for ultra-low latency (ideal for real-time applications like remote surgery), while another could prioritise high bandwidth (perfect for video streaming or large data transfers).

For businesses, this means they can access dedicated, customisable network slices that align with their operational requirements—without interference from other users. This leads to improved performance, reliability, and security. Whether it's enabling smart factories, supporting autonomous vehicles, or enhancing mobile private networks, 5GSA with network slicing empowers faster innovation and better customer experiences.

To bring this to life, let’s look at how we’ve implemented network slicing in high-demand, real-world settings—like festivals.

At Glastonbury, VodafoneThree used network slicing to connect 102 payment machines across three bar sites, ensuring each could process up to two transactions per minute—even during peak times.

Similarly, in Germany during Carnival celebrations, where thousands gather in crowded streets, Vodafone Germany launched a virtual rescue lane within our 5G networks.

This secure, prioritised channel allows police, firefighters, and rescue workers to communicate reliably and share real-time multimedia—such as photos and videos—helping them maintain safety and respond swiftly, even in chaotic situations.

Mobile Private Networks

Another great example of 5GSA in a business context is a Mobile Private Network (MPN) at CIMPOR’s cement plant in Alhandra, Portugal. In partnership with Ericsson, we deployed a 5GSA MPN to modernise operations and provide a dedicated, secure, high-performance 5G network that’s tailored to its specific needs and completely separate from the public mobile network.

With ultra-reliable, high-speed connectivity across the site, the plant can now monitor machinery in real time, use drones for inspections, and equip staff with smart glasses for remote support.

Thanks to network slicing, each of these tools gets the performance it needs—whether that’s low latency for drones or stable bandwidth for video feeds.

The result? Less downtime, better safety, lower costs, and a step toward a more sustainable future.

A new era for connectivity

This transformative technology is underpinned by our commitment to deploying 5GSA across Europe, ensuring seamless connectivity for everyone.

And whether it’s through the depths of our subsea cables, terrestrial infrastructure or our outer space satellites, we’re paving the way for an interconnected future.