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5G standalone (5G SA) and 5G non-standalone (5G NSA) are 2 types of network infrastructure.

For operators with an existing 4G LTE network, it is easier to start with 5G non-standalone (5G NSA). For this purpose, these operators use new 5G radio equipment, which they however lay over the existing 4G LTE infrastructure. This allows operators to offer 5G services faster and more cheaply, but a 5G NSA network is subject to the limitations of 4G LTE. Users enjoy a higher data rate, although 5G NSA does not allow access to certain 5G benefits that require the dedicated 5G core that is provided in 5G standalone (5G SA).

In the case of 5G SA, the operator rolls out a completely new 5G network that is entirely separate from its existing 4G infrastructure. 5G SA is a true 5G network, with 5G radios and a 5G core, that fully realizes the promised benefits of 5G. Unlike 5G NSA, 5G SA supports:

• higher speeds,
• applications that require ultra-low latency (e.g. real-time operation of robotic equipment in a warehouse or plant), 
• very high density applications (up to 1 million terminal devices within one square kilometre), 
• better security, 
• network slicing, a deployment mode that allows different devices and customers to get dedicated network partitions with specified performance guarantees, such as minimum and maximum throughput rates.

For ordinary consumer applications, 5G SA is less necessary. Therefore, the typical user will often not notice whether the network is a 5G SA or a 5G NSA.

5G has been operational in Belgium since the end of 2020. In the course of 2020, Belgian operators already activated 5G on the spectrum for which provisional rights of use had been granted at the time, as well as on the basis of their then 3G licence in the 2100 MHz band.

In 2022, the 5G pioneer bands at 700 MHz and 3600 MHz were auctioned for a period of 20 years. Currently Proximus, Orange and Telenet offer an abundance of 5G services on their own networks.

DIGI launched a commercial service offer in December 2024.  Pending the development of its own 5G network, DIGI offers 4G via the Proximus network.

The MVNOs ("mobile virtual network operators", they do not have their own wireless network infrastructure but use the network of a mobile network operator to offer mobile communications services) naturally follow the evolution towards 5G.

The initial deployment of 5G is mainly based on NSA (non-standalone), keeping the benefits of 5G from being fully realized.

All major manufacturers market 5G compatible phones.

To use 5G, your phone must be equipped with 5G-compliant hardware.

A 5G smartphone also always has the possibility to use 4G.

5G does not require a dedicated SIM card, but a 5G subscription is required.

All you need to know about 5G

At the request of the Brussels Region, the BIPT carried out a study in September 2018 already, to determine which radiation standards would be necessary to roll out mobile 5G networks. The technical report regarding the impact of the current Brussels radiation standards on the roll-out of mobile networks concluded that, taking into account the expected increase in data traffic and a desired roll-out of 5G, the radiation standards needed to be adjusted.

The radiation standards have meanwhile been revised in line with the development of 5G.

• In the Brussels-Capital Region, the Ordinance of 1 March 2007 on the protection of the environment against the possible harmful effects and interference of non-ionising radiation sets a cumulative limit of 0.5635 W/m² (or about 14.5 V/m).
• The Order of the Flemish Government of 1 June 1995 laying down general and sectoral provisions on the environmental hygiene (VLAREM II) sets a cumulative limit of 20.6 V/m at a frequency of 900 MHz.
• In the Walloon Region, the Decree of 3 April 2009 on the protection against the possible harmful effects and interference of the non-ionising radiation generated by stationary transmitters lays down a limit per operator of 9.2 V/m and a cumulative limit of 18.4 V/m for a frequency of 900 MHz at the places of residence.

All you need to know about 5G

5G further increases the mobile networks’ capacity for these to be able to continue to digest the still rapidly increasing mobile data traffic.

In addition, 5G supports the Internet of Things and new applications, for instance for the automotive industry, health care and media and entertainment.

5G aims at continuing to improve the mobile networks’ possibilities. Three spearheads can be distinguished in this regard:

• an increase of the data speed per user and an increase of the mobile networks’ capacity in order to be able to manage the future growth of the mobile traffic. This will result in a better user experience and allow applications requiring more speed, e.g. Ultra-High Definition Video, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality…;
• an improved reliability and latency. This allows to develop innovative services, the latency of which is crucial, for instance autonomous driving;
• an increase of the number of devices that can be connected in a given area. This boosts the growth of the Internet of Things, which allows a more efficient management and follow-up not only in various sectors but in your home environment as well (Smart Homes, Smart Ports, Smart Agriculture ...).