Deutsche Telekom (DT) has officially launched its 5G standalone (SA) service in Germany, taking a different approach compared to rivals Telefónica Deutschland (O2) and Vodafone Germany. Instead of a broad 5G SA network launch, DT is focusing on specific 5G SA use cases, starting with a new 5G+ Gaming option, which uses network slicing technology.
While DT’s 5G SA network has been technically ready for some time, the company believes that offering it as a standard network without leveraging its additional functionalities doesn’t add significant value for customers. As a result, only subscribers opting for the 5G+ Gaming package—and using the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra—will experience 5G SA initially. DT plans to expand device compatibility and the gaming service across Germany gradually, with more devices available by December.
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DT also hinted at future 5G SA-based applications, such as video conferencing and AR/VR experiences, that will benefit from the network’s added capabilities. The company is using the “5G+” branding to highlight that customers are accessing enhanced 5G features rather than creating a separate 5G SA brand. The overall goal is to provide the best connectivity, whether through 5G non-standalone (NSA) for higher download speeds or 5G SA for specialized use cases like gaming.
