5G SA is expanding, but outcomes are uneven and challenges remain – report

A joint report from Ookla and Omdia finds that 5G standalone (SA) networks are rolling out across more markets, but the real-world impact is uneven. While regional coverage gaps are starting to narrow, the authors say a more serious "capability gap" is opening up between operators that are investing heavily in 5G SA features and those that are only doing the minimum.

According to the report, some networks now use 5G SA to support advanced services and better performance, while others mainly market 5G without meaningful improvements in speed, latency, or reliability. The study notes that this divides users and businesses into haves and have-nots: in some regions, customers can access more functional 5G networks, while in others, 5G remains closer to a rebranding of 4G. The report concludes that closing the capability gap, not just boosting coverage, will determine how useful 5G SA becomes.