This week brought developments across the 5G landscape, from promising hardware innovations to substantial network deployments and market growth indicators. The industry continues to mature with standalone 5G (5G SA) adoption accelerating, whilst operators explore new revenue streams through enterprise services and advanced network capabilities.
The standout news includes speculation about Apple’s potential 5G smartwatch driving SA adoption, T-Mobile’s pioneering business network slicing service, and remarkable growth in the mobile core market. Meanwhile, international developments saw Argentina opening spectrum for private networks and continued momentum in 5G infrastructure investments globally.
Industry analysts are increasingly optimistic about the potential impact of Apple’s rumoured 5G smartwatch on standalone 5G adoption. Dell’Oro Group’s Dave Bolan suggests the device, expected to utilise 5G reduced capability (RedCap) technology, could be the catalyst needed to accelerate consumer 5G SA deployments in the United States.
AT&T has already announced RedCap device support covering approximately 200 million people, positioning itself ahead of potential demand. The timing appears strategic, with Apple’s annual hardware showcase scheduled for 9 September, where many expect the announcement alongside the iPhone 17. This development is particularly significant as 71 mobile network operators globally have now commercially launched 5G SA networks, according to Dell’Oro’s latest figures.
The mobile core market itself is experiencing robust growth, with Dell’Oro reporting a 31% year-over-year surge in Q2 2025, whilst the overall mobile core network market grew 19% annually. This growth trajectory suggests operators are preparing infrastructure for the next wave of 5G devices and services.
T-Mobile has strengthened its position in the enterprise market by launching SuperMobile, the first nationwide 5G network slice designed specifically for business customers. The service combines network slicing on 5G-Advanced infrastructure with built-in security features and satellite connectivity, addressing critical enterprise requirements for reliability and coverage.
Early adopters include Delta Air Lines, which is leveraging the low-latency capabilities for operational coordination, and Axis Energy Services, utilising satellite connectivity for remote oilfield communications. The move represents T-Mobile’s strategic push to capture enterprise market share from rivals AT&T and Verizon, both of which have recently achieved nationwide 5G SA coverage.
The launch underscores the growing importance of enterprise services in operators’ 5G monetisation strategies, particularly as consumer revenue growth slows. T-Mobile’s offering includes a 30-day free trial, demonstrating confidence in the service’s ability to deliver tangible business benefits.
Argentina has taken a significant step in promoting private 5G adoption by opening the 2.3-2.4 GHz band for enterprise use. The country’s telecoms regulator ENACOM will offer 10-year licences for private 4G/5G networks, targeting sectors including mining, agriculture, oil, automotive, and manufacturing. This move aligns Argentina with global trends towards dedicated enterprise spectrum allocation.
In Asia, Korean operator KT has begun testing AI-based radio access network (AI-RAN) technology on its live 5G network, becoming the first in South Korea to do so. The pilot in Naju uses Nokia equipment to test machine learning-driven channel estimation and multi-user MIMO capabilities, potentially paving the way for enhanced network performance and future 6G readiness.
Meanwhile, Ericsson has detailed how 5G could transform various vertical sectors, identifying public safety, automotive, ports, mining, healthcare, and sports as key beneficiaries. However, the vendor warns that success depends on appropriate government backing, regulatory support, and addressing challenges including spectrum allocation and mid-band coverage.
The latest market data reveals encouraging signs for the 5G ecosystem. Dell’Oro Group reports that 5G mobile core revenues jumped 31% year-over-year in Q2 2025, with multi-access edge computing (MEC) growing even faster at 32%. The firm has doubled its growth forecast for 2025 to 10% year-over-year, citing increasing 5G SA subscribers and continued network launches.
Voice core modernisation is also contributing to growth, with operators upgrading to cloud-native IMS cores, particularly for Voice over NR (VoNR) services. This infrastructure investment indicates operators’ commitment to delivering enhanced services whilst preparing for future technologies including 5G-Advanced and eventual 6G deployments.
Apple 5G smartwatch could be a 5G SA tonic
Analysis of how Apple’s rumoured 5G smartwatch could accelerate standalone 5G adoption in the US market
https://www.fierce-network.com/wireless/apple-5g-smartwatch-could-be-5g-sa-tonic
T-Mobile US launches 5G network slicing for enterprises
Detailed coverage of T-Mobile’s SuperMobile service and its implications for enterprise connectivity
https://www.rcrwireless.com/20250827/5g/t-mo-5g-network-slice
Argentina opens 2.3-2.4 GHz band to enterprises for private 4G/5G
Comprehensive overview of Argentina’s new spectrum allocation for private industrial networks
https://www.rcrwireless.com/20250828/internet-of-things/argentina-enterprises-private-4g-5g
5G mobile core surges 31% in Q2 2025: Dell’Oro
Market analysis revealing strong growth in 5G infrastructure investments globally
https://www.rcrwireless.com/20250827/5g/5g-mobile-core
Ericsson details vertical 5G potential
Strategic insights on how 5G could transform key industry sectors with appropriate support
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/ericsson/ericsson-details-vertical-5g-potential/
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