Vodafone becomes the first UK carrier to launch a Standalone 5G network

UK carrier Vodafone has a new accomplishment to boast about. The company announced in a blog post that it is the first UK mobile operator to “switch on” its 5G Standalone network (5G SA). Furthermore, the carrier will also invite select customers via SMS to test the network's many benefits as part of a new trial.

Vodafone stated that it will invite only customers who use its Unlimited Max plans, have an Oppo Find X3/X5 Pro or a handset from the Galaxy S21/S22 lineup, and live in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Bath, Glasgow, and Birmingham.

But what is the difference between the Standalone 5G and the Non-Standalone 5G that we are currently using? Well, as you probably know, the Non-Standalone 5G works by utilizing the existing infrastructure of the 4G network. As for the Standalone 5G, it uses an infrastructure made specifically for distributing 5G.

Therefore, the Standalone 5G network offers increased reliability and responsiveness, which results in smoother online gaming and video streaming, better coverage, greater responsiveness and reliability in busy areas, and improved security — due to more advanced end-to-end encryption and software.

In its announcement, Vodafone also shared that it will also test a new network steering technology that will be able to direct a device towards the connectivity it needs (4G, 5G non-standalone, or 5G Standalone) depending on what services are being used. According to the carrier, this new tool will make its whole network more efficient, which will result in a better user experience.

Of course, if you don't have a 5G-capable phone, you can't take advantage of any of the improvements that Vodafone is introducing. So if you want to get one at a great discount, feel free to check out our best Vodafone phone deals article. If you are rolling with another UK carrier, you can visit our best Tesco Mobile phone deals, best iD Mobile phone deals, best O2 phone deals, best Three phone deals, best EE phone deals, best Virgin Media phone deals, and best Giffgaff phone deals articles.