5G standalone adoption gains traction

5G standalone adoption gains traction is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• 33 mobile operators now offer network slicing services, with 65 differentiated offerings — although uptake is modest.
• Over 90 operators have deployed or soft-launched 5G standalone, but commercial slicing remains limited, per Ericsson.

What happened: 5G SA services begin to scale

According to Ericsson’s latest Mobility Report, the market for differentiated connectivity based on 5G standalone (SA) networks is advancing — but not yet booming. Ericsson states that 33 mobile operators globally now offer services underpinned by network slicing, totalling 65 commercial differentiated offerings. These include both subscription plans and add-on packages, aimed at consumer and enterprise segments.

Ericsson notes that 21 of those slicing-based services launched in 2025 alone, indicating a clear move from proof-of-concept to real-world offerings. Meanwhile, more than 90 telcos have now launched or soft-launched 5G SA networks — a rise of 30 in just a year. The report also highlights 56 operators working on slicing-based services, collectively testing 118 cases; yet many remain in early stages.

When it comes to fixed wireless access (FWA), the picture is more favourable: Ericsson identifies 159 providers currently offering 5G-based FWA, with more than half using speed-based tariffs — a traditional broadband-style model.

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Why it’s important

While the rise in 5G SA deployments shows momentum, Ericsson’s data suggests that one of 5G’s most hyped features — network slicing — has not yet taken off at scale. For operators, this means that creating differentiated, value-based connectivity remains more aspirational than realised.

That said, Ericsson’s optimism is grounded: the surge in 5G SA launches could lay the foundation for advanced, enterprise-grade services in the near future. As 6G looms, the report warns that countries that delay SA adoption risk falling behind — especially given that future 6G cores are expected to be built on 5G SA’s architecture.

To put things in perspective, given the roughly 700 mobile operators worldwide (per Dell’Oro), 33 operators doing slicing feels like a modest start. This could mark a moment of inflection: 5G SA is no longer just a technology bet — it’s becoming a serious strategic play for long-term network monetisation.