\"\"
<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>
While much has been said about the standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) modes of launching 5G<\/a> networks, a report by Credit Suisse suggests that in the near term, neither will put a telco on a distinct advantage or disadvantage.

In SA mode, the network is built only on 5G while in NSA mode, the
5G network<\/a> is built on an existing layer of 4G network<\/a>. While Jio has said it will launch its 5G network on SA mode<\/a>, Airtel<\/a> and Vodafone Idea<\/a> will be using the NSA mode.

“While SA 5G is an evolution of NSA, the tech that it supports (low latency, network slicing, etc.) is relevant for 5G enterprise use cases which are still evolving,” Credit Suisse analysts said in a report.

NSA 5G<\/a> however is capable of supporting 5G consumer use case of enhanced mobile broadband (faster speeds).

“We note that 5G NSA roll-out on 3.5GHz with 1800MHz \/2100MHz support for uplink will enable Airtel to match 5G coverage to its existing LTE coverage. Of course, 700MHz spectrum does give Jio better in-building coverage for 5G, but its speed on 700MHz is only marginally better (at ~8-10 mbps) to 4G,” the report added.

Globally, most telcos have launched their 5G networks using the NSA mode. The ecosystem for SA 5G is still evolving, including handsets that support the mode. Another analyst added that even in countries like the US and South Korea which have significant 5G presence, only 10% or less devices support SA 5G.

A report by Bernstein observed, “Jio has a
5G standalone<\/a> (SA) launch which as per the company is better on network slicing for low latency, IOT applications & indoor coverage.”

It added that on the other hand, Bharti management has indicated that its NSA 5G strategy will enable lower operational cost (~35% cost\/GB) compared to a standalone rollout in the 700 MHz band.

SA 5G has a separate core and radio network, whereas NSA 5G entails deploying 5G RAN on top of existing LTE infra. Thus, NSA 5G enables telcos to roll out 5G at a lower cost relative to SA 5G.

“Our studies of early 5G adopters in Korea, China and Singapore indicate that 5G monetization still primarily relies on consumer adoption of 5G and contribution of 5G enterprise revenues remains low. NSA 5G supports enhanced mobile broadband (faster speeds) due to higher channel bandwidth (of 3.5GHz and 26GHz bands) and spectral efficiency,” Credit Suisse added.

\"India’s<\/a><\/figure>

India’s 5G era to be more stable; mobile median speeds may go up 30-40% after launch: Ookla co-founder<\/a><\/h2>

“...there's a bit more stability there. It's been a really challenging market for operators given how they basically collapsed prices, which made it really difficult to build networks when you aren't really making much to sell networks. I think there's more stability there. Now, I think that this 5G era will be a more stable one in India,” he said in an interview.<\/p><\/div>

\"\"
<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>
While much has been said about the standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) modes of launching 5G<\/a> networks, a report by Credit Suisse suggests that in the near term, neither will put a telco on a distinct advantage or disadvantage.

In SA mode, the network is built only on 5G while in NSA mode, the
5G network<\/a> is built on an existing layer of 4G network<\/a>. While Jio has said it will launch its 5G network on SA mode<\/a>, Airtel<\/a> and Vodafone Idea<\/a> will be using the NSA mode.

“While SA 5G is an evolution of NSA, the tech that it supports (low latency, network slicing, etc.) is relevant for 5G enterprise use cases which are still evolving,” Credit Suisse analysts said in a report.

NSA 5G<\/a> however is capable of supporting 5G consumer use case of enhanced mobile broadband (faster speeds).

“We note that 5G NSA roll-out on 3.5GHz with 1800MHz \/2100MHz support for uplink will enable Airtel to match 5G coverage to its existing LTE coverage. Of course, 700MHz spectrum does give Jio better in-building coverage for 5G, but its speed on 700MHz is only marginally better (at ~8-10 mbps) to 4G,” the report added.

Globally, most telcos have launched their 5G networks using the NSA mode. The ecosystem for SA 5G is still evolving, including handsets that support the mode. Another analyst added that even in countries like the US and South Korea which have significant 5G presence, only 10% or less devices support SA 5G.

A report by Bernstein observed, “Jio has a
5G standalone<\/a> (SA) launch which as per the company is better on network slicing for low latency, IOT applications & indoor coverage.”

It added that on the other hand, Bharti management has indicated that its NSA 5G strategy will enable lower operational cost (~35% cost\/GB) compared to a standalone rollout in the 700 MHz band.

SA 5G has a separate core and radio network, whereas NSA 5G entails deploying 5G RAN on top of existing LTE infra. Thus, NSA 5G enables telcos to roll out 5G at a lower cost relative to SA 5G.

“Our studies of early 5G adopters in Korea, China and Singapore indicate that 5G monetization still primarily relies on consumer adoption of 5G and contribution of 5G enterprise revenues remains low. NSA 5G supports enhanced mobile broadband (faster speeds) due to higher channel bandwidth (of 3.5GHz and 26GHz bands) and spectral efficiency,” Credit Suisse added.

\"India’s<\/a><\/figure>

India’s 5G era to be more stable; mobile median speeds may go up 30-40% after launch: Ookla co-founder<\/a><\/h2>

“...there's a bit more stability there. It's been a really challenging market for operators given how they basically collapsed prices, which made it really difficult to build networks when you aren't really making much to sell networks. I think there's more stability there. Now, I think that this 5G era will be a more stable one in India,” he said in an interview.<\/p><\/div>