Mobile connectivity has entered a new era thanks to the 5G +, an evolution of the fifth generation of mobile networks that promises to transform the everyday use of smartphones as well as industrial development, medicine, smart cities, and the Internet of Things (IoT). In this extensive article, we explore in detail what 5G+ is, how it differs from standard 5G, how its Stand Alone technology works, what advantages and practical uses it offers, its deployment in Spain and the rest of the world, its impact on businesses and users, and its future among us. We'll answer all your questions and explain the technical keys, benefits, and challenges of this new generation of connectivity.
What exactly is 5G+? Definition and context
The term 5G + It is the commercial name that operators and manufacturers use to indicate the transition from the initial 5G, called Non-Standalone (NSA), to the version 5G Stand Alone (SA). On a technical level, 5G+ and 5G SA are equivalent: they refer to a complete 5G network, whose infrastructure is completely independent of the previous 4G. You can find more details on 5G network architecture in our dedicated articles. 5G technologies y 5G Stand Alone operation.
While the first wave of 5G (NSA) deployments leveraged existing LTE/4G network components, the arrival of the 5G SA or 5G+ It represents a network with its own core, new signaling, advanced architecture and exclusive functionalities that are only now becoming available to businesses and the general public.
This denomination also appears under names such as Real 5G, 5G Full, 5G Full or simply 5G SA in the technical documentation, but the idea is the same: an evolution of the initial 5G that includes more capacity, lower latency, greater security, improved energy efficiency, and enables all the advanced services envisioned in the 5G standard.
Origin and evolution of mobile networks: from 1G to 5G+
To understand the qualitative leap that 5G+ represents, it is essential to review the evolution of the mobile networks: more details on mobile technology.
- 1G – First generation mobile, analog network for voice calls only.
- 2G – Introduces digital support, SMS messaging, and the start of data transmission.
- 3G – Bring mobile internet access and video calls, opening the door to smartphones.
- 4G – Revolution in mobile internet access: streaming, social media, advanced apps, and high speeds.
- 5G NOS – Fifth generation (Non-Standalone version): higher speed, low latency, and more devices, but still dependent on 4G infrastructure.
- 5G+ / 5G SA – The current technological pinnacle: completely independent 4G networks, ultra-low latency, maximum capacity, and advanced services for Industry 4.0, IoT, telemedicine, self-driving cars, and much more.
Thus, 5G + It fulfills all the promises made in the initial 5G and marks the beginning of a new era of unprecedented services and applications.
Technical characteristics: 5G+, architecture and differences with conventional 5G
The biggest difference between 5G+ (SA) and 5G NSA is in its infrastructure and mode of operation: see how the 5G infrastructure works.
- 5G NOS: It uses part of the existing 4G network (LTE core), allowing for faster and cheaper deployment, but limiting access to advanced 5G features.
- 5G SA or 5G+: A new network core, independent architecture, dedicated signaling, and native support for all the services and capabilities that define 5G. This is where the real technological revolution lies.
These are them key advantages What 5G+ brings over conventional 5G:
- Ultra-low latencyUnder ideal conditions, 5G+ can reduce latency down to the millisecond mark, which is essential for real-time applications such as remote surgery, autonomous vehicles, advanced virtual reality, and critical industrial systems.
- Higher actual download and upload speedWhile theoretical speeds are high in both cases, 5G+ allows for peak speeds of up to 1,6 Gbps or more to be reached and sustained, especially on mid- and high-bands (such as 3,5 GHz).
- Capacity for millions of connected devices: Supports up to one million active connections per km2, ideal for smart cities, IoT sensors, mass events, and businesses with high device density.
- Energy efficiencyThanks to optimized signaling and resource management, 5G+ devices can consume up to 20% less battery power compared to 5G NSA. This savings could be even greater in future 5G SA-certified devices.
- Advanced Network Slicing: 5G+ enables the use of virtual slicing to ensure quality of service, personalization, and security in critical applications, differentiating traffic, for example, between a self-driving car, a remote medical operation, or a common user.
- Significant improvement in safetySignaling and identification data are transmitted end-to-end encrypted, preventing spoofing or interception vulnerabilities that could arise during the transition from 4G to NSA.
- VoNR (Voice over New Radio) support: Voice and video calls directly over the 5G network, with higher audio quality, lower delay, and without depending on 2G, 3G, or 4G at any time.
5G+ frequency bands, spectrum, and deployment
The potential of 5G+ is multiplied according to the frequency spectrum on which it is deployed. The main bands for 5G are:
- Low frequencies (700 MHz): Great coverage and penetration indoors, ideal for dense rural and urban areas, but lower maximum speed.
- Medium frequencies (3,5 GHz): The ideal balance between coverage, capacity, and speed. They enable speeds of over 1 Gbps and are essential in large cities and industrial environments.
- High frequencies (mmWave, 26 GHz and higher): They offer extreme speeds (several Gbps) in open spaces and very demanding applications, although their range is limited and they require a high density of antennas.
The combination of these bands enables 5G+ to provide fast and stable access both indoors and outdoors, in urban or rural areas, and to manage congestion at critical events or industrial deployments.
5G+ vs. 5G NSA: Detailed Advantages and Key Differences
- Networks completely independent of 4G: 5G+ eliminates the need for legacy infrastructure, avoiding potential bottlenecks, increasing efficiency, and enabling full customization of services.
- Better signal and stability indoors: Thanks to the combined use of different frequencies and advanced 5G core management, penetration is improved, maintaining high speed and low latency even in closed spaces with many connected users.
- Lower latency for critical services: 5G+ is the ultimate solution for latency-critical applications such as remote control of industrial robots, remote surgery, cloud gaming, and autonomous driving.
- Battery and resource optimization: The intelligent power management system reduces device consumption, resulting in longer battery life for smartphones, wearables, and IoT sensors.
- Massive device supportA 5G+ network can handle up to ten times more simultaneous connections than 4G, eliminating the congestion typical of mass events.
- Security and privacy improvements: Advanced authentication and encryption protocols, with protection for identification data and sensitive traffic.
- Facility for New Services (VoNR): Allows all communications (voice, video, data) to be carried out purely over the 5G network, ensuring superior quality and performance.
5G+ Innovation: Network Slicing, Edge Computing, and Advanced Use Cases
El 5G + Unlocks capabilities that go far beyond simple speed boosts. These include:
- network slicing: Allows you to create dedicated virtual networks, tailored to the specific needs of each client or application. You can find more information about the opportunities for using network slicing.
- Edge Computing (MEC): Brings data processing closer to the edge of the network, minimizing latency and enabling real-time applications.
- Ultra-reliable Low Latency Communications (uRLLC): Ultra-reliable, low-latency communication is essential for remote control of industrial robots, drones, and surgical operations without on-site human intervention.
- Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC): Enables the simultaneous connection of millions of IoT sensors and devices, key to smart cities, precision agriculture, advanced logistics chains, and remote infrastructure monitoring.
Practical advantages for smartphone users
What will the consumer experience with 5G+ compared to conventional 5G or 4G? The improved speed and stability will allow them to take full advantage of features such as manage data on 5G mobile phones and cloud services.
- Ultra-fast downloadsFrom movies in seconds to large backups or large file transfers, 5G+ makes mobile internet faster than fiber optic home internet in many cases.
- Streaming in maximum quality and without interruptions: 4K, 8K videos or even real-time immersive experiences thanks to high bandwidth and low latency.
- Online and cloud gaming: Streaming games or games with remote opponents with instant response time and no perceptible lag.
- HD video calls and VoNR: Calls with the highest audio and video quality, without interruptions or delays, both indoors and outdoors.
- Better connection at crowded events: Whether at concerts, stadiums, trade shows, or large gatherings, advanced 5G+ management prevents slowdowns or communication interruptions, even with thousands of devices connected simultaneously.
- Lower battery consumption: 5G+-ready smartphones take advantage of the extra efficiency to maintain battery life even with intensive use.
- Additional security: Improved privacy and attack protection with native end-to-end encryption.
Benefits for industry, businesses, and the Internet of Things (IoT)
The real disruptive leap of 5G+ is in its business applications and in the Industry 4.0: Links to new business models.
- Automation and smart factoriesSecure, real-time communications between machinery, sensors, and analytics systems. This translates into greater efficiency, immediate anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, and cost reduction.
- Massive IoT: Simultaneous connection of millions of sensors and actuators in cities, farmland, critical infrastructure, logistics, energy, and transportation.
- Remote control and advanced roboticsIndustrial robots, drones, autonomous vehicles, and heavy machinery can be monitored and controlled with pinpoint precision and no perceptible delay.
- Telemedicine and remote surgeryLow latency and maximum reliability enable remote, real-time interventions, benefiting rural hospitals and global specialists.
- Edge computing in companies: Local processing of sensitive data, reduced cloud costs, and increased operational agility.
- Critical security: Applications for emergencies, priority communications in disasters, smart public services, and dedicated networks for security or health agencies.
Advanced 5G+ use cases: virtual reality, automotive, healthcare, and more
- Autonomous vehicles and connected mobility5G+ enables instant and secure communication between cars, urban infrastructure, and pedestrians. It makes autonomous traffic, enhanced safety, and dynamic traffic management a reality.
- Augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR): Immersive training experiences, remote technical support, entertainment, or marketing, with real-time digital information overlays and no perceptible latency.
- Advanced medicineIn addition to remote care and surgery, 5G+ enables instant diagnosis and real-time monitoring of critically ill patients, both inside and outside the hospital.
- Audiovisual production and events: 8K live streaming, wireless cameras for sports broadcasts, and remote production systems, improving television production and global access to events.
- Urban management and smart citiesSensors for traffic control, air quality, lighting, waste collection, and emergencies, all connected in an efficient and scalable way.
- Drone control and remote inspectionDrones equipped with cameras, sensors, and AI can operate over long distances and in real time, with applications in security, agriculture, the environment, and logistics.
5G+ deployment and coverage in Spain: operators and cities
In the Spanish sphere, the deployment of 5G + It is primarily led by operators such as Movistar and Orange, which have transformed their infrastructure to offer the next generation of connectivity. To enjoy all its benefits, it's recommended to check the device compatibility section in our dedicated section.
The arrival of 5G+ is usually automatic and at no additional cost for customers with compatible devices. Movistar, Orange, and other operators have begun certifying 5G+-approved mobile phones, although it's important to verify that the device supports the Stand Alone version and that the SIM card is compatible (in the case of eSIMs, this process is simpler).
In large urban centers, the 3,5 GHz bands guarantee the highest speeds and the best experience for users and businesses. In rural areas, lower frequencies are used to maximize coverage and indoor penetration.
Compatibility and requirements to enjoy 5G+
To take full advantage of 5G+, you need to:
- Have a smartphone compatible with 5G SANot all 5G phones can take advantage of Stand Alone or 5G+ mode; some require a software update, and others must be certified by the carrier.
- Have a compatible SIM cardOlder SIM cards may not support advanced security features; it's a good idea to check with your carrier to see if you need to replace it with a new 5G SIM or eSIM.
- Be in a 5G+ coverage areaAlthough expansion is progressing rapidly, not all municipalities or neighborhoods have SA infrastructure yet. Capital cities and major cities have been prioritized.
- Update the operating systemSome of the most advanced enterprise and consumer services (such as VoNR) are only available after the latest updates.
The upgrade from 5G NSA to 5G+ is usually automatic for the user: if they meet the requirements, the device will connect to the advanced version of the network without any additional steps, displaying the "5G+" or "5G SA" icon on the screen.
5G+ and the energy transition: lower consumption and sustainability
A highlight of 5G+ is its Energy Efficiency both at the network level and in connected devices: it will allow for greater sustainability in the use of technology.
- Reduction of electricity consumption: The use of 100% 5G equipment, advanced optimization algorithms, and dynamic frequency sharing allows for up to 90% less energy consumption per unit of traffic compared to 4G.
- Support for renewable electricity and zero-emissions goalsMajor operators have implemented renewable energy use policies across all their nodes and base stations.
- Greater autonomy for wearables, sensors and smartphones: Stand Alone architecture manages resource usage more efficiently, extending battery life.
- Facilitates intelligent management of energy consumption in cities and companies: 5G+ enables real-time monitoring and optimization of energy use thanks to the connectivity of thousands of sensors distributed across critical infrastructure and urban services.
The future of 5G+: innovations, evolution towards 6G, and challenges ahead
El 5G + It's just the beginning of a new era in global mobile connectivity: To learn about future trends, we recommend you follow our article on the advances of 6G and the next generations.
- Advances in mmWave bands and NTN (non-terrestrial networks): Revolutionary applications are expected in autonomous vehicles, mixed reality, low-orbit satellites, and full connectivity in remote or mobile areas (trains, ships, airplanes, etc.).
- Even denser antenna deployments and edge computing:Increasing data traffic, the proliferation of cloud services, and intelligent real-time traffic management will require more nodes and distributed processing.
- Towards 6GResearch is already underway into the sixth generation, which is expected to increase speed and further reduce latency. It will enable applications such as holograms, sensory communication, networked AI, and massive smart device connectivity.
- Security, privacy and regulatory challengesThe proliferation of critical services, the entry of new players, and the complexity of data management will require new cybersecurity and user protection policies.
5G+ vs. other access technologies (fiber optics, Wi-Fi, satellite)
5G+ does not compete with fiber optics, but rather complements it: .
- 5G+ for mobility and flexible access: It offers high speed and low latency where there is no fiber or its deployment is unfeasible (transport, rural areas, emergencies, temporary events...).
- Fiber optics for fixed connections: It is the basis for homes, businesses and backhaul of the 5G antennas themselves.
- Wi-Fi and satellite: They cover local and global access scenarios where other technologies cannot reach, but with lower speeds and higher latency.
The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing 5G+ networks
One of the keys to success in the deployment and management of 5G+ is the Use of artificial intelligence and self-organizing networks (SON): AI applications in 5G networks.
- Automatic incident management: AI detects anomalies, congestion, or coverage issues and resolves them in real time without human intervention.
- Dynamic traffic optimization: Frequencies, power or slices are adjusted according to demand, guaranteeing maximum quality at all times.
- Personalization of the user experience: The network adapts the service to the needs of each client, prioritizing traffic based on application, urgency, and security.
- Improvement in cybersecurityMachine learning algorithms identify and block threats before they impact users or businesses.
Frequently asked questions about 5G+ and its impact
Can 5G+ replace fiber optics?
No, both technologies are complementary. Fiber is irreplaceable for very high-speed, stable latency fixed connections. 5G+ is unbeatable in terms of mobility and flexible deployments.
Do all 5G phones support 5G+?
Not all. The device, SIM, and software must be compatible with 5G SA. Always check with your carrier for your device's actual compatibility.
Is 5G+ safe?
Yes, it implements end-to-end encryption, advanced authentication and threat protection, as well as constant AI-powered updates.
Does 5G+ have an impact on health?
There is no scientific evidence of negative health effects from 5G+ waves; international regulatory agencies endorse their safety.
What is the difference between 5G, 5G+, Wi-Fi 6, and future mobile technologies?
5G+ is the natural evolution of mobile networks, with autonomous architecture and advanced features. Wi-Fi 6/7 are local area network (LAN) technologies, while future generations of 6G and 7G will further enhance global connectivity.
5G+ represents one of the greatest technological milestones in recent history, impacting everyday life, business development, medicine, and urban management. Its increasingly rapid deployment is creating a new communications paradigm based on ultra-low latency, maximum speed, energy efficiency, and next-generation security. As more devices and services leverage its potential, we will see new applications emerge capable of transforming society, from self-driving cars to immersive realities and hyperconnected cities, fulfilling the most ambitious promises of the mobile internet.
