With one notable exception, commercial 5G networks use a non-standalone architecture wherein new 5G NR radio infrastructure is connected to an Evolved Packet Core that also supports LTE data transmissions. Virtualization of EPC functionality is common but stops short of the cloud-native core network needed for a standalone 5G implementation. With non-standalone 5G, the emphasis is on delivering enhanced mobile broadband to consumers.
From standardization to commercialization, 5G has largely been ahead of schedule. The transition to standalone is ramping up too; in the U.S. T-Mobile has activated standalone for its low-band 5G network and Verizon and AT&T plan to make the jump in the coming months.
