Myth vs. Reality In the fast-evolving world of telecommunications, the misconception around 5G vs. 5G Standalone (5G SA) has been gaining momentum. Telecom operators have been actively deploying 5G networks to provide faster download speeds and improved user experiences. However, the vast majority of early 5G deployments are based on a non-standalone architecture, and 5G is no more than just a supercharged version of 4G: as of 2023, out of the 535 operators known to be investing in 5G licenses, only 36 have invested in public 5G standalone networks, proving it is only at its beginnings*. So, what sets 5G SA apart?