LG Uplus has expanded nationwide testing of its 5G Standalone (SA) network as it prepares for a commercial rollout later this year. The operator aims to ensure a seamless launch in the second half by continuously improving network stability through large-scale field tests.
According to telecom industry sources on June 19, LG Uplus is using its nationwide network to conduct comprehensive tests ahead of 5G SA commercialization.
The company is enabling SA in key regions through software and hardware upgrades, verifying overall service functionality and connection stability, including in shadow areas with weaker coverage.
For now, the carrier is running these trials with specialized test devices rather than standard commercial smartphones. Once 5G SA service goes live, handset makers are expected to distribute firmware updates that will activate SA capabilities on consumer devices.
Unlike Non-Standalone (NSA) mode, which combines LTE and 5G networks, 5G SA delivers services solely through 5G base stations and a 5G core network. To access SA, both the user device and the base station must support and be configured for SA operation.
LG Uplus plans to identify and resolve potential technical issues using its test devices before the full commercial rollout, currently targeted for the fourth quarter, though the exact timing will depend on network quality and firmware readiness.
Building on its already deployed 5G SA core network, LG Uplus is simultaneously expanding radio network capacity and fine-tuning infrastructure for commercial service. Industry observers expect initial SA support to be offered on the latest flagship smartphones, then gradually extended to older models via updates.
“With the goal of commercializing 5G SA within this year, we are currently conducting preparation tests across the nation,” an LG Uplus official said.
Among its rivals, KT has already commercialized 5G SA and deployed it across its nationwide network. SK Telecom is also testing 5G SA but remains cautious about disclosing details on the scale or progress of its trials.
Industry experts do not expect this transition to trigger the kind of intense marketing and subscriber battle seen during past LTE and early 5G launches. Instead, mobile carriers are taking a more collaborative stance, in line with government initiatives to accelerate 5G SA adoption.
The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) has set a goal for all three major carriers to complete their 5G SA transitions by the end of this year, laying the groundwork for next-generation services enabled by a full 5G core.
In February, the MSIT launched a dedicated 5G SA task force that includes SK Telecom, KT, LG Uplus, Samsung Electronics, and academic and research institutions. The task force is focused on minimizing service disruptions and quality degradation during the migration, while reviewing regulatory improvements and exploring innovative services that can be built on SA technology.
