The American 5G landscape has shifted significantly this week, with both AT&T and Verizon announcing nationwide deployment of their 5G Standalone (SA) networks. This marks a crucial milestone in catching up to T-Mobile, which has held a commanding lead since launching its SA network in 2020.
AT&T’s network CTO Yigal Elbaz described the expansion as “another bold leap” in wireless connectivity, emphasising the operator’s focus on quality over speed to market. The deployment enables advanced capabilities including network slicing, edge computing, and support for RedCap devices. Verizon has similarly completed its SA rollout and has already launched two network slicing services: Frontline for first responders and Enhanced Video Calling for iPhone users.
Industry analysts at Dell’Oro Group anticipate that 5G Voice over New Radio (VoNR) and dynamic network slicing will be the next features to emerge from these deployments, as operators seek to monetise their SA investments.
Malaysia’s YTL Communications has become the ninth operator globally to launch 5G-Advanced (5G-A) services, deploying in the Klang Valley region. The service runs on Digital Nasional Berhad’s nationwide wholesale network and represents the maturation of 3GPP Release 18 technology, which integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning directly into network operations.
Ericsson’s involvement in the deployment highlights the vendor’s push into AI-driven network optimisation. The Global mobile Suppliers Association has identified 26 operators across 15 countries now investing in 5G-A technology, with Huawei projecting 50 commercial networks covering over 300 cities by year-end.
The enterprise private 5G sector is experiencing significant momentum. Airbus is executing an ambitious plan to replace Wi-Fi with private 5G across all its industrial facilities globally, with deployments now live in Hamburg and Toulouse, and further sites planned in Spain, the UK, Canada, and the US through 2026.
In Spain, the Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC) is deploying what Boldyn Networks describes as one of the first commercial private 5G networks running simultaneously on low-, mid-, and high-band frequencies, including mmWave. The network will support research into critical communications, autonomous driving, and immersive technologies.
Meanwhile, Hughes Network Systems and Celona have partnered to launch a fully managed private wireless solution targeting manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and energy sectors, addressing enterprise demand for dedicated wireless infrastructure with round-the-clock support.
Vietnam has approved a comprehensive national radio frequency master plan that opens “golden spectrum” for 6G, Wi-Fi 7, and satellite internet. The plan updates 65 frequency bands in alignment with commitments from the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference, including designating the 600 MHz band (newly freed by the shutdown of terrestrial digital TV) for mobile use in rural and remote areas.
In the US, InterDigital has been selected by the Department of War to lead research on advanced spectrum coexistence for civil and military applications, utilising AI, sensing, and commercial 5G systems to enable efficient mid-band dynamic spectrum sharing.
The UK’s EE has announced plans to extend its 5G+ (Standalone) service to 99% of the population by 2030, having already reached over 34 million people. Virgin Media O2 activated the UK’s first 5G “giga site” in London’s Canary Wharf, combining multiple spectrum bands to deliver peak speeds exceeding 1 Gbps.
In the Middle East, UAE-based operator e& has partnered with Ericsson to upgrade its 5G core network with cloud-native technology, aiming to improve service launch times and call quality whilst strengthening support for enterprise applications.
AT&T, Verizon chase T-Mobile with nationwide 5G SA
US carriers complete nationwide Standalone deployments, enabling advanced network features and enterprise services
https://www.lightreading.com/5g/at-t-verizon-chase-t-mobile-with-nationwide-5g-sa
Malaysian telco claims first 5G-Advanced deployment
YTL Communications becomes ninth operator globally to launch AI-integrated 5G-A services
https://www.rcrwireless.com/20251010/5g/malaysyan-5g-advanced
Airbus deploys private 5G in France and Germany, set to scale globally
Aircraft manufacturer plans to replace Wi-Fi with private 5G across all industrial sites worldwide
https://www.rcrwireless.com/20251006/internet-of-things/airbus-private-5g-scale
Vietnam unlocks ‘golden’ spectrum for 6G, Wi-Fi 7
New national frequency plan aligns with WRC-23 commitments and frees 600 MHz band for rural connectivity
https://www.rcrwireless.com/20251009/5g/vietnam-spectrum
© 2026 Cenerva Ltd | All Rights Reserved | Terms
By providing your email address, you agree to receive relevant content from Cenerva. We will not rent or sell your information and you can unsubscribe at any time. Read more in our privacy policy.
