AT&T announced the nationwide deployment of its 5G Standalone (SA) network, marking a major milestone in the evolution of next-generation wireless connectivity.
Yigal Elbaz, Network CTO at AT&T, in a blog post said the expansion establishes a foundation for ultra-fast, low-latency, and highly reliable 5G services designed to power the next era of digital innovation.
AT&T 5G Standalone: A True Next-Generation Network
Unlike earlier 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) networks that relied on 4G LTE infrastructure, AT&T’s 5G Standalone operates on a dedicated 5G core and radio network. This independent architecture enables higher performance, faster upload speeds, ultra-low latency, and greater reliability — critical capabilities for AI applications, IoT deployments, and immersive digital experiences.
In 2025, AT&T expects to invest heavily in network expansion: their guidance points to capital investment in the range of $22 billion per year for the next few years.
In Ookla’s first half 2025 network testing, AT&T’s 5G download speed was ≈ 158.56 Mbps.
According to Opensignal’s June 2025 report, AT&T’s users see a 5G download speed of ~167.8 Mbps.
In the USA January 2025 “Mobile Network Experience” report, AT&T ranked second in Download Speed Experience.
Nationwide Coverage and Customer Rollout
AT&T confirmed that millions of customers are already connected to its nationwide 5G SA network, with new customers being added daily as compatible devices become available. The company is taking a customer-first approach, ensuring that every deployment meets its high standards for quality and reliability before expanding further.
The 5G SA rollout leverages open and virtualized network architecture, allowing AT&T to scale efficiently while fostering collaboration across an open ecosystem of partners. This strategic foundation supports faster innovation cycles, cost efficiency, and enhanced security for both enterprise and consumer applications.
5G RedCap: Extending 5G to More Devices
AT&T also announced that its 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology is now live nationwide, broadening 5G access to a wider range of connected devices. RedCap delivers optimized performance for devices that do not require full 5G speeds — such as smartwatches, IoT sensors, and industrial devices — while maintaining the reliability and efficiency of 5G.
The Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 are among the first devices to operate on AT&T’s 5G RedCap network, signaling the beginning of a new era in wearable connectivity.
Open and Virtualized Network for the Future
AT&T’s open and virtualized network infrastructure is central to its 5G Standalone strategy. By embracing software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV), AT&T enhances scalability and flexibility, allowing rapid deployment of new technologies and services.
This architecture not only streamlines operations but also promotes partnerships within an open ecosystem, encouraging co-innovation with leading technology providers. The result is a robust, agile, and future-ready network built to meet growing customer demands.
Empowering the Next Wave of Innovation
With 5G Standalone now nationwide, AT&T is setting the stage for next-generation applications and services, including augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), autonomous systems, cloud gaming, and AI-driven enterprise solutions.
Other recent 5G related announcements from AT&T
AT&T unveiled a cloud-based IoT Marketplace in collaboration with Ericsson. The platform streamlines the processes of selling, provisioning, contracting, and billing for IoT services, facilitating faster go-to-market for industries like transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare.
The company is expanding 5G connectivity underground: AT&T, together with Boldyn Networks, activated 5G service in New York’s Joralemon Street tunnel, and plans to extend coverage along the G subway line as well.
AT&T agreed to acquire spectrum licenses from EchoStar worth roughly $23 billion. The deal will add about 50 MHz of low-band and mid-band spectrum across more than 400 U.S. markets, strengthening coverage capabilities for 5G and home internet services.
AT&T signed an expansion deal with Nokia to enhance its 5G network automation and voice core capabilities — incorporating AI and machine learning into its infrastructure.
AT&T’s nationwide 5G Standalone network represents a pivotal step toward the future of wireless technology, delivering the performance and reliability needed to drive the digital economy. As 5G SA and RedCap continue to scale, AT&T is reinforcing its commitment to providing a trusted, customer-centric network that powers innovation across industries.
Baburajan Kizhakedath