Telecom companies have already 4G network assets. The existing 4G core can be used to offer 5G services. It is the first or interim stage and is called Non-standalone (NSN) 5G Stage. Here the company leverages the exiting 4G network assets, instead of deploying new end-to-end 5G network. This way they can amortise the investments made in 4G. This reduces the capital investment requirements. The telecom company has to make some investment in new radios for using spectrum in a new band such as 3.5 GHz.

In the next generation 5G technology, called 5G standalone, telecom companies replace the 4G core with a new 5G core. Thus the very core is powered by 5G.

It offers lower latency and powers many functions such as autonomous cars, robotics surgery and IoT.

However, this standalone 5G will have higher capital investments requirements.

Even NSA 5G technology offers lower latency up to 10 milliseconds. It can support machine-to-machine functions, smart factories and VR and AR for mobile services .

Bharti Airtel proposes to leverage its existing 4G network assets to offer 5G. It proposes to launch commercial services in 4-5 months.

Reliance Jio, however, contemplates a direct standalone 5G network.