5G Standalone (5GSA) Deployment Challenges

The transition to 5G Standalone (5GSA) marks a significant shift in telecommunications, unlocking the full potential of 5G technology, including ultra-low latency, network slicing, and enhanced mobile broadband. However, despite its advantages, deploying 5GSA presents numerous challenges for mobile network operators (MNOs) and technology vendors. Below are the key hurdles in 5GSA deployment and their implications.

1. Network Infrastructure Readiness

Deploying a 5GSA network requires a complete overhaul or significant upgrade of existing infrastructure. Unlike 5G Non-Standalone (5G NSA), which relies on LTE cores, 5GSA mandates a fully independent 5G Core (5GC). This transition involves:

• Replacing legacy EPC (Evolved Packet Core) with cloud-native 5GC.
• Ensuring backward compatibility with existing LTE and NSA networks.
• Upgrading transport networks to support increased bandwidth demands.

2. High Investment Costs

The capital expenditure (CAPEX) required for 5GSA deployment is substantial. Key investment areas include:

• New radio access network (RAN) equipment compliant with 5G SA.
• Cloud-native and virtualized core infrastructure.
• Edge computing capabilities to support ultra-low latency use cases.
• Spectrum acquisition, especially for mid-band and mmWave frequencies.

3. Operational Complexity and Skill Gaps

A shift to 5GSA requires a fundamental transformation in network operations. The adoption of cloud-native architectures, automation, and AI-driven network management necessitates:

• Upskilling network engineers in cloud computing, containerization (Kubernetes), and automation tools.
• Redesigning operational workflows to manage distributed, software-defined networks.
• Developing new fault-detection and self-healing mechanisms to maintain service reliability.

4. Interoperability and Vendor Lock-in Risks

5GSA introduces a multi-vendor ecosystem with open interfaces, creating challenges in ensuring seamless interoperability. Operators must:

• Validate multi-vendor network elements to prevent service disruptions.
• Adopt open standards like Open RAN (O-RAN) to avoid vendor lock-in.
• Conduct extensive testing to align with 3GPP specifications and ensure smooth integration of hardware and software components.

5. Security and Compliance Risks

5GSA networks expand the attack surface due to their cloud-native nature, increased device connections, and exposure to cyber threats. Key security challenges include:

• Protecting network slicing implementations from cross-slice attacks.
• Ensuring end-to-end encryption and zero-trust security models.
• Meeting regulatory compliance for data sovereignty and privacy laws across different markets.

6. Use Case Maturity and Monetization Challenges

Despite the promise of 5GSA, many high-value use cases such as industrial automation, smart cities, and autonomous vehicles are still in early adoption phases. Operators must:

• Develop robust business models to monetize 5GSA investments.
• Work closely with enterprises to co-create industry-specific applications.
• Demonstrate ROI to justify continued investment in 5GSA rollouts.

Conclusion

The deployment of 5G Standalone networks is a game-changer for the telecom industry, enabling innovative services and next-gen connectivity. However, overcoming the challenges of infrastructure readiness, cost burdens, operational complexity, security risks, and monetization strategies is critical for successful implementation. Operators must adopt a phased approach, leverage partnerships, and embrace automation to accelerate 5GSA deployment while ensuring sustainable business growth.

By addressing these hurdles strategically, MNOs can unlock the true potential of 5GSA, paving the way for a more connected and intelligent digital future.