What is 5G Standalone and Why is it Important?
Most organizations believe they have truly adopted 5G– but in reality, most are still connected through 5G Non-Standalone or NSA. 5G NSA can be seen as a transitional stage that relies on 4G core infrastructure. NSA offers modest speed and capacity improvements, but the real change begins with 5G Standalone (SA) and network slicing. Pairing these unleashes the true potential of 5G in the form of ultra-reliable, low-latency, dynamic resource allocation.
Beyond the technology itself, these advancements redefine what’s possible for many of the industries we serve here at Tele-Rad. With 5G SA and network slicing, public safety and emergency response teams can create dedicated ‘slices’ of the network reserved for first responders. The result: uninterrupted connectivity, faster coordination, and quicker response times.
This month’s blog will explore what makes 5G SA and network slicing so powerful, how its currently being rolled out by carriers, and how 5G continues to show major improvements towards critical communication.
Network Slicing: What is it?
Network slicing allows multiple virtual networks to operate within a single 5G system, each customized for specific needs. Backed by technology from Semtech, this capability delivers the flexibility and performance needed for modern connectivity. A key early use case is public safety, where first responders rely on dedicated slices such as Verizon Frontline and T-Mobile’s T-Priority for guaranteed bandwidth and ultra-low latency, even during network congestion.
Semtech’s advanced 5G routers extend these benefits by enabling secure, dynamic network slicing—allowing agencies to deploy high-performance, mission-critical connectivity wherever it’s needed. Each slice operates with its own performance, security, and resource guarantees, ensuring reliable, resilient communication for essential services and applications.
At Tele-Rad, we are dedicated to working with top-tier technology partners such as Semtech, to bring our customers the most reliable and innovative solutions available. We are proud to deliver their dependable, safety-focused technologies as part of our commitment to quality and efficiency.
Strengthened Communication with 5G Standalone
Emergency response demands reliable communication and efficiency. Keeping teams connected during critical incidents or fast-changing situations can be the difference between success and failure. Semtech’s 5G routers deliver exactly that– ensuring clear, low-latency communication even in the toughest conditions. With the combined efforts of 5G Standalone and network slicing, staying connected when it matters most has become seamless and dependable
At Tele-Rad, we are proud to serve our community as trusted experts on Semtech 5G routers. To learn more about how Semtech’s technology can strengthen your communication network, contact us today!