LTE5G

LTE5G is a term commonly used to describe early 5G deployments that rely on an existing 4G LTE core network while using 5G New Radio (NR) for the access network. It is not a formal 3GPP standard by itself, but a marketing and industry shorthand for non-standalone 5G with LTE anchors. In this mode, control signaling and user plane functions may still be anchored in the LTE core (Evolved Packet Core or EPC), while the 5G NR radio interface provides higher data rates and lower latency.

The underlying architecture is referred to as non-standalone (NSA) 5G. The 5G NR gNodeB works alongside the LTE eNodeB, and data traffic can be carried over a dual connectivity arrangement known as EN-DC. This allows devices to access 5G NR while the control plane remains connected to LTE, enabling quicker rollout using existing infrastructure. Some networks also employ Dynamic Spectrum Sharing to deliver 5G services in the same spectrum as LTE.

Capabilities include higher peak data rates, improved spectral efficiency, and reduced latency compared with pure LTE, especially in areas with 5G NR coverage. However, performance gains in NSA deployments depend heavily on the underpinning LTE network and radio conditions. NSA deployments are typically transitional, intended to accelerate coverage and capacity before a full 5G Core (5GC) and standalone 5G rollout.

Criticism of the term notes ambiguity and inconsistency in how operators implement LTE5G, with distinctions between NSA, DSS, and evolving 5G Core architectures. See also 5G NR, Non-Standalone, Dynamic Spectrum Sharing, EN-DC.