Verizon Unveils Standalone 5G in Redwood City: Enhanced Speeds, Reduced Latency, and Cutting-Edge Support to Compete with T-Mobile

In the competitive landscape of U. S.telecommunications, major companies are striving to enhance mobile connectivity for their customers. T-Mobile has notably positioned itself as a leader in this effort, having pioneered the launch of a nationwide standalone 5G network in 2020. Conversely, Verizon, motivated to keep pace with its rivals, has initiated the rollout of its own standalone 5G (5G SA) network in select locations, starting with Redwood City, California.

Verizon Embraces Standalone 5G: A Game Changer for Connectivity

According to insights shared by Dave Bolan, director at market research firm Dell’Oro Group, Verizon’s transition to 5G SA marks a significant shift from its previous reliance on non-standalone 5G, which utilized legacy 4G infrastructure. This older system, while functional, couldn’t deliver the comprehensive experience that true 5G promises. By making this leap, Verizon aims to sharpen its competitive edge against other service providers.

The importance of standalone 5G lies in its architecture; it does not rely on 4G for signaling and management. This independence leads to improved response times, minimized lag, and reduced latency, all of which are essential for future enhancements like network slicing. Network slicing allows telecom providers to allocate specific network portions for critical applications, optimizing speed and efficiency across the network.

Furthermore, Verizon’s strategy involves activating 5G on dual spectrums: the 850 MHz low-band for expansive coverage and the 3700 MHz mid-band (C-band) for enhanced speed. This strategic combination is designed to ensure users enjoy robust 5G service virtually anywhere, with the mid-band providing remarkable speed enhancements within its range.

To assess the impact of this new deployment, a speed test conducted using a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra yielded impressive results, reaching download speeds close to 977 Mbps on the 3700 MHz SA band. Although actual speeds may vary in real-life scenarios, these results underscore the tangible benefits that Verizon’s 5G SA rollout promises to deliver.

While T-Mobile led the way with the nation’s first 5G SA launch in 2020 and has effectively leveraged this technology for transformative changes, Verizon’s recent advancements signal its commitment to not lag behind. This launch is particularly timely, coinciding with Apple’s introduction of new wearables that support RedCap—technology exclusive to SA networks. By advancing its network capabilities now, Verizon is positioning itself as a cornerstone for the next generation of devices, potentially setting the stage for an evolving landscape of mobile technology.

Source & Images