GSA Survey Finds Less than Quarter of Live 5G Networks Using Standalone Technology

Key Takeaways

• Only 95 operators run standalone 5G as of March.
• Standalone networks grew 42% year‑over‑year.
• Total global 5G deployments reached 392, up 14%.
• Less than 25% of live 5G is standalone.
• NSA reliance hampers full 5G performance potential.

Pulse Analysis

The Global mobile Suppliers Association’s latest survey reveals that standalone (SA) 5G—where the radio access network and core are built exclusively for 5G—remains a minority deployment. While the total number of live 5G networks climbed to 392 operators worldwide, only 95 have transitioned to SA, marking a 42 percent jump from the previous year but still representing less than one‑quarter of the ecosystem. This contrast underscores the lingering dominance of non‑standalone (NSA) configurations that piggyback on existing 4G LTE cores.

SA architecture is the key to unlocking the low‑latency, high‑throughput promises of 5G, enabling true network slicing, edge‑compute integration, and industrial IoT use cases. However, carriers face steep CAPEX requirements to replace or upgrade legacy core infrastructure, and many have prioritized rapid coverage rollout over full‑stack modernization. As a result, enterprises seeking ultra‑reliable low‑latency communications (URLLC) must often rely on hybrid solutions, tempering the economic impact of 5G investments.

Looking ahead, the 42 percent year‑over‑year surge suggests momentum is building, driven by vendor roadmaps and increasing demand from sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, and smart cities. Analysts expect SA deployments to double by 2025 as operators monetize new services and regulators incentivize native 5G cores. Companies that align their product strategies with the emerging SA ecosystem stand to gain competitive advantage, while those lagging may miss out on the next wave of digital transformation.