- WindTre and Ericsson have activated Italy’s inaugural 5G Standalone (SA) mobile network.
- Running on Ericsson’s dual‑mode 5G Core, the deployment introduces a new network slicing service designed specifically for small and mid-sized businesses.
- WindTre reports deploying a dedicated 5G SA slice to handle live sports video production at a venue hosting over 90,000 spectators.
WindTre and Ericsson have activated Italy’s first 5G Standalone network, marking the debut of a fully 5G-native core in the country. This milestone was announced on January 14, 2026. Ericsson
Telecompaper highlighted the launch as a key step forward in Italy’s digital evolution, pointing out that this network is built entirely on 5G technology, not relying on 4G infrastructure beneath it. Telecompaper
To most users, “Standalone” might just seem like a buzzword. But technically, it means the network operates independently of 4G components for core functions. This independence is what makes promises of lower latency, improved reliability, and enhanced security more believable.
The timing is crucial since 5G has lingered in an odd spot: widespread coverage and lots of “5G” symbols, yet few genuinely new services that stand out. WindTre is framing 5G SA as the base for these future advances, particularly targeting businesses and public administration.
Ericsson’s dual‑mode 5G Core powers this setup, the companies say, but the aim goes beyond simply speeding up phones. They’re targeting scalability for a growing IoT landscape — that is, connected sensors, machines, and devices — while handling increasingly complex use cases simultaneously.
WindTre repeatedly highlights network slicing as a key feature. This technology lets the public 5G network be divided into virtual lanes, each dedicated to a particular kind of traffic, ensuring critical applications don’t compete with other data on the network.
What stands out is WindTre’s target audience for slicing. Besides its Mobile Private Networks—custom setups usually demanding hefty investments and targeting large enterprises—the operator is rolling out a slicing service tailored for small and medium-sized businesses as well.
The company’s pitch is simple: deliver “private network-like” performance over a shared public network, without the need to build and manage separate infrastructure. Put plainly, it aims to make high-quality connectivity accessible and affordable for smaller businesses.
The press release highlights a range of initial use cases: secure Push‑to‑Talk (walkie‑talkie style voice), augmented reality for industrial maintenance, dependable digital payments at the point of sale (POS), and healthcare devices sharing clinical data in real time. Media and entertainment applications also feature, often where networks prove they can “perform under pressure.”
Carlo Melis, CTO of WindTre, described 5G Standalone as “a true next‑generation mobile network,” highlighting that the real game-changer is slicing, which offers “guaranteed performance, controlled latency, and connection stability.” His comment subtly critiques how 5G has frequently been marketed purely on peak speed.
Alessio Petreschi, Ericsson’s general manager and head of sales for Northern Italy, insisted that this upgrade surpasses just “another G” milestone. He called a fully 5G-native core “the foundation for going beyond best-effort connectivity,” highlighting the potential for new services and fresh revenue streams as the real benefits.
WindTre highlighted a concrete example: it rolled out a dedicated network slice for live video production at a major sporting event in Italy. Mobile cameras used the 5G SA network to stream high-definition footage to the control room, and WindTre reports that performance remained stable despite over 90,000 spectators in attendance.
There’s an overlooked aspect here: WindTre and Ericsson highlight that standalone networks unlock AI-driven automation, enhanced slicing, and programmable APIs. APIs, or application programming interfaces, act as hooks allowing software to tap into network functions — aiming to make connectivity more flexible and programmable for developers and businesses.
That said, the rollout leaves some crucial questions unanswered. The announcements don’t clarify the pace of nationwide 5G SA availability, which devices will support it out of the box, or the pricing details for smaller businesses using the slicing service. Slicing will only gain traction if it’s straightforward to order, integrates smoothly, and reliably meets expectations.
Italy just got its first 5G Standalone network, thanks to WindTre. The operator isn’t stopping at big enterprise deals—they’re aiming to expand slicing to other use cases. The real test won’t be speed scores, but whether companies will invest in dedicated slices to keep their critical apps running smoothly.
