Recently, the US telecommunications provider, T-Mobile, initiated a 5G SA (Standalone Architecture) network slicing beta for developers. Initially, the focus will be on improving the performance of video calling apps.
T-Mobile believes that the innovative beta will pave the way for developers to create enhanced versions of their video applications. As the modern era sees more and more people turning to remote work, the demand for video calling apps continues to soar, necessitating more advanced solutions in the realm of telecommunications. By harnessing the power of customized network slices, developers will be equipped to experiment with apps that are reliable and can maintain both fast downlink and uplink speeds, not to mention lower latency.
Broad access to the beta is provided, inviting any interested video-calling app developer to take part through T-Mobile’s developer platform, DevEdge, or stopping by the 5G Hub in Seattle for a hands-on approach.
In the words of Ulf Ewaldsson, President of Technology at T-Mobile, “The wireless industry has talked about 5G network slicing for years and at T-Mobile we’ve been putting in the work to bring it to life.” Indeed, being the only operator capable of unlocking 5G network slicing, T-Mobile is offering developers a unique opportunity to innovate applications that will bring clear benefits to wireless users.
Several of T-Mobile’s partners advocate the potential of network slicing. Brian Peterson, CTO and co-founder of Dialpad, believes T-Mobile’s 5G network “opens up incredible new possibilities for bringing mobile and AI applications to the next level.” Similarly, Amit Barave, Vice President of Product Management at Webex by Cisco, shares his thoughts on the initiative, stating that advanced 5G networks are of utmost importance in the present era of hybrid work.
Currently, the beta is accessible to iOS developers in Seattle and San Francisco, though expansion plans indicate availability across the nation and for Android platforms later this year.
Network slicing has been repeatedly pointed out as a pivotal aspect of the 5G Standalone rollout. It has the potential to augment the reliability and performance of connectivity, especially in congestion-prone situations or mission-critical operations.
