True 5G Standalone networks deliver 52% speed boost over hybrid 5G

New Ookla data shows 5G SA achieves low latency by using a full 5G core.

5G Standalone (SA) networks, which operate on a fully independent 5G core rather than relying on existing 4G infrastructure, are delivering significantly higher speeds and lower latency than non-standalone 5G networks, according to a report by Ookla, the operator of Speedtest, and Omdia, a market research firm.

The report found that median download speeds on 5G SA networks were approximately 52% higher than non-standalone 5G globally.

Standalone networks also showed lower latency, which affects the responsiveness of applications such as cloud gaming, video conferencing, and industrial connectivity.

Unlike non-standalone 5G networks, which depend on 4G cores, standalone networks can support features such as network slicing and enterprise-grade connectivity.

These capabilities allow operators to offer dedicated network services for industries and other specific use cases.

Despite the performance benefits, 5G SA networks still account for a small share of global 5G connections with the report stating standalone networks represented 17.6% of 5G connections worldwide as of late 2025.

Deployment rates vary across regions with the report highlighting that countries including China, India, and several in the Middle East have a higher proportion of standalone networks.

In contrast, standalone adoption in some European markets remained low, with certain countries reporting rates as low as 2%.

The report also notes that the global 5G market is transitioning from initial deployments toward broader implementation of standalone networks.