AT&T Launches Nationwide 5G Network to Close Gap on T-Mobile

AT&T has officially launched its 5G Standalone (SA) network across the nation, a major move to catch up with rival T-Mobile.

Recently, Yigal Elbaz, AT&T’s senior VP and network CTO, wrote in a blog post that the SA expansion is "another bold leap" for wireless connections. He said AT&T is switching over customers to the network "in select areas every day."

The SA network is not brand new. Elbaz noted that "millions" of customers are already using it, and that its special features are used "coast-to-coast," though he didn't share specific locations. Now, AT&T can bring these services to more customers, as long as their phone, SIM card, and plan are supported.

Which phones work with 5G SA? Compatible models include those released over the past few years, like the Apple iPhone 13, Samsung Galaxy S21, and Google Pixel 8.

Separately, AT&T announced that its 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) network has been expanded to 250 million points of presence. RedCap supports devices like the latest Apple Watches by using the main 5G core. AT&T actually confirmed the national RedCap rollout back in June.

Verizon is just behind.

Verizon is also nearing the finish line on its own 5G SA upgrade. They state that their 5G SA is nationwide, but they are still actively finishing the rollout in a few remaining spots.

They're already offering services using network slicing, which lets carriers dedicate parts of their network for specific needs.

• In April, Verizon launched Frontline, a dedicated network slice available across the country for first responders.
• It offers Enhanced Video Calling, which provides a network slice for improved video calls on iPhones.

AT&T has not yet launched network slicing. Elbaz’s blog only hinted at the major future services that 5G SA makes possible.