Right now, only T-Mobile has a nationwide full 5G standalone (SA) network among the three major U.S. carriers. A 5G SA network is crucial for delivering faster data speeds and enabling features like network slicing and low latency. While T-Mobile has already launched its nationwide 5G SA network, AT&T and Verizon are making progress but are not yet fully nationwide. AT&T recently rolled out 5G Reduced Capability, covering 200 million points of presence, while Verizon has 60% to 70% of its service area covered with 5G SA.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2. Its successor could be the first 5G smartwatch. | Image credit-PhoneArena
5G smartwatches are expected to drive the growth of 5G SA networks, with the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumored to support 5G connectivity. This could push AT&T and Verizon to expedite their 5G SA network buildout to cater to the demands of 5G-enabled wearables like smartwatches. The potential introduction of Apple Watch Ultra 3 alongside the iPhone 17 series on September 9th might mark a significant milestone in the adoption of 5G technology.
Key Considerations for 5G SA Expansion
Dell'Oro Group's research director highlights the importance of a mature 5G SA network ecosystem, emphasizing the role of 5G NR RedCap and network slicing in optimizing performance for various devices. Suppliers like Huawei, Ericsson, Nokia, and ZTE play a critical role in the deployment of 5G SA networks, with Ericsson and Nokia being potential suppliers for the U.S. market due to national security concerns regarding Huawei and ZTE.
Potential Impact of Apple Watch Ultra 3
The anticipated launch of Apple Watch Ultra 3 as the first 5G-enabled smartwatch could serve as a catalyst for AT&T and Verizon to ramp up their 5G SA network coverage. As wearable devices increasingly leverage 5G connectivity, carriers need to ensure full nationwide 5G SA deployment to meet future network requirements.
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