Iliad Launches 5G Standalone in Italy: Official Debut at Fuorisalone 2026
Iliad has just announced the activation of its 5G Standalone (SA) network. The operator, which debuted in our market in 2018, becomes the second national player to make available this evolution of mobile connectivity, choosing the stage of Fuorisalone 2026 for its first operational implementation. Unlike the current 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) standard, which still relies on the 4G core network to manage data sessions, the Standalone version operates entirely independently (the smartphone communicates directly with the 5G infrastructure without intermediate steps).
This "direct dialogue" between terminal and antenna translates into tangible benefits in terms of efficiency. The reduction of latency is the first parameter to benefit from this architecture, making the connection much more responsive for latency-sensitive services such as cloud gaming or high-definition video calls. The overall management of data packets improves, with the new technology allowing the network to support thousands of devices connected simultaneously in extremely confined geographic areas, such as the design districts of Milan during the busiest week of the year.
Iliad is the second Italian operator to launch 5G Standalone. The choice to launch 5G SA during Design Week is not a coincidence, but represents a load test in a real-world scenario of high complexity. Iliad acts as technical partner of the event, putting its infrastructure at the service of Fuorisalone Passport, the digital accreditation system managed by Fuorisalone.it. Visitors, by registering on the platform, obtain a unique QR Code required to access events in the Brera Design Week circuit.
In extreme attendance contexts, where data traffic is concentrated in a few square meters, traditional networks tend to saturate. The adoption of 5G SA allows for an instantaneous check-in process, eliminating the typical waits associated with systems based on unstable connections. The goal is to demonstrate how technology can make the user experience seamless even when thousands of people are uploading multimedia content or searching for information simultaneously at the same location.
One of the most anticipated features of 5G Standalone, confirmed by Iliad, is network slicing, a technology that allows for the creation of "logical partitions" of the network, or preferential lanes dedicated to specific critical services. In the case of Fuorisalone, Iliad can allocate targeted resources to ensure that the accreditation systems and flow management remain stable and secure, without compromising the browsing quality for other users. In addition to stability, the transition to 5G SA introduces higher security standards and an optimization of energy consumption for mobile devices. By eliminating the need for smartphones to keep both 4G and 5G signals active simultaneously for carrier management, battery efficiency benefits directly.
The launch of 5G SA is part of an investment strategy that has exceeded 4 billion euros for the construction of a next-generation proprietary network. The operator has already demonstrated a strong technological acceleration in recent years: in 2024 it was the first in Italy to launch a fiber offer with a router equipped with Wi-Fi 7, a technology that in 2025 received nPerf certification as the fastest in the country. Currently, Iliad's mobile network reaches 99% of the population with 4G technology, while 5G already covers over 7,000 cities and is constantly expanding. With over 13 million active users across fixed and mobile services, the company continues to maintain a strong presence in the market with a network of 62 flagship stores and over 9,000 points of sale nationwide. Thus, the debut of 5G Standalone represents another piece in consolidating its position in the business segment (launched in 2023) and in technological partnerships with major events and institutions, as is already the case with Serie A Football League.