Question 1

What is a 5G SIM?

Accepted Answer

A 5G SIM is a SIM or eSIM profile that the network has enabled for 5G service. The plastic is usually the same as a 4G SIM; what changes is the profile on it and the plan behind it. For 5G standalone some UK networks also need a newer SIM or an eSIM, so an old SIM can be the reason a 5G device never shows standalone.

Question 2

What is the difference between 5G standalone and non-standalone?

Accepted Answer

Non-standalone 5G (NSA) adds 5G radio to a connection that is still controlled by the 4G core network. Standalone 5G (SA) uses a dedicated 5G core, which is what enables lower latency, network slicing, RedCap devices and voice over 5G. EE and O2 market standalone as 5G+, Vodafone as 5G Ultra.

Question 3

Will any 5G SIM work in a 5G router?

Accepted Answer

Usually, but not always. Consumer plans can carry fair use or tethering limits, some business and IoT SIMs are restricted to 4G or to non-standalone 5G, and multi-network or roaming SIMs often get 4G only. Check the plan, the APN and whether the router supports the UK bands, especially n78 and n28.

Question 4

Can I get 5G on a roaming or multi-network SIM in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Inbound roaming on 5G non-standalone is increasingly common, but 5G standalone roaming is still rare. Many multi-network IoT SIMs connect at 4G in the UK, which is fine for most telemetry but not for high-throughput or low-latency work.

Notebook, page 6

Robustel R5020 5G Router

The State of 5G – What to Expect in 2019