Sunrise switches on "true" 5G: Now you can also make phone calls

They had been talking about it for years, everyone promised it, but in the end… Sunrise actually did it.
As of a few days ago, Switzerland can claim to have the first 5G Standalone (SA) active on a commercial network. And the first operator to bring it to customers is indeed Sunrise.

This time, it’s not about commercials or "5G on paper." We are talking about the first true generational leap in the world of mobile connectivity. And take note: it's not just "faster"—it is completely different.

But what is 5G SA?

Until now, almost all the 5G we have used in Switzerland was of the NSA (Non-Standalone) type: a 5G that still relied on 4G networks to manage calls, connections, and basic functions.
In short: 5G on crutches.

With the new 5G Standalone, however, the entire infrastructure is pure 5G, from the base station to transmission.
And this changes everything.

Making calls in 5G: it's finally possible

Yes, now you can even make phone calls in 5G.
Not just faster browsing, but making native voice calls over the 5G network, with concrete and immediate advantages:

• Superior audio quality thanks to VoNR (Voice over New Radio) technology
  • Ultra-fast connections, with no dead time before the call starts
  • Smoother transitions between calls and data (you can continue browsing at very high speeds even during a phone call)
  • Lower energy consumption for compatible phones

In brief: clearer calls, without delays, and without ever dropping down to a lower network.

And browsing?

There, too, the leap is significant:

• Latency reduced to under 10 milliseconds, important for those using real-time apps like video calls, gaming, or conference calls
  • Improved network stability, perfect even in very crowded areas
  • Higher download and upload speeds, especially during peak times

But the point isn't just speed. 5G SA is the foundation for everything to come: connected cars, smart cities, drones, augmented reality.
And it's great to see that, once again, Switzerland gets there first.

Do you need to change your phone?

Not necessarily, but you need a smartphone compatible with 5G SA and with support for VoNR. Recent mid-range and high-end models (Samsung, Xiaomi, iPhone 14 and 15, etc.) are almost all ready.
And Sunrise is constantly updating the list of enabled devices.

Additionally, you need to activate a compatible Sunrise offer: those with a recent plan that includes 5G will be among the first to benefit from it.

Why it matters

5G Standalone is not marketing. It is an entirely new infrastructure that accompanies us into the future of communication. And anyone who tries it, even just for making a call, perceives the difference.

It must be said that Sunrise has made a pioneered move.
And the good news is that it is already available in many Swiss cities and regions, with coverage on the rise.

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