Iliad Launches 5G Standalone at Fuorisalone

Iliad has launched 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology in Italy, debuting the network during the Fuorisalone 2026 event in Milan. This deployment marks iliad as the second mobile operator in Italy to bring the most advanced version of 5G technology to the market.

The launch is part of the Milano Design Week, where the operator is serving as a technical partner. By deploying 5G SA, iliad aims to manage the high density of data traffic and user connections typical of large-scale events, providing a real-world test for its new infrastructure under intensive usage conditions.

Technical Application at Fuorisalone 2026

The primary application of the 5G SA network during the event is the management of visitor access via the Fuorisalone Passport digital platform. This system is used for accessing events during the Brera Design Week, utilizing a unique registration process and personal QR codes for check-ins.

According to the operator, the 5G Standalone infrastructure ensures that these accreditation procedures remain immediate and stable. The technology is designed to maintain high reliability and fast access speeds even when thousands of users are connected simultaneously, preventing the slowdowns often associated with high-density crowds.

Understanding 5G Standalone Technology

5G Standalone represents an evolution of 5G networking. Unlike early 5G deployments that often relied on existing 4G LTE infrastructure (known as Non-Standalone 5G), 5G SA utilizes a fully dedicated 5G core network.

This architectural shift allows for several technical improvements, including:

• Increased capacity to handle high volumes of data traffic without performance degradation.
• Lower latency, which is critical for real-time applications and rapid digital check-ins.
• Improved stability in environments with an extremely high concentration of simultaneous connections.

Investment and Market Position

The introduction of 5G SA in Italy follows significant financial commitments from the company. Reports indicate that iliad has invested over 4 billion euros since 2018 to build and expand its network capabilities.

By becoming the second operator in Italy to market this technology, iliad is positioning itself to compete with the leading providers of next-generation mobile connectivity in the region. This move follows a pattern of network expansion seen in other markets; for example, the group’s French brand, Free, previously became the first telco in France to offer 5G SA on a national scale and launch Voice over New Radio (VoNR).

Operational Impact

The deployment at Fuorisalone 2026 serves as a demonstration of the concrete applications of the technology. By focusing on the Fuorisalone Passport, iliad is showcasing how 5G SA can solve the specific problem of network congestion in urban environments during major public events.

The ability to maintain a fluid and fast user experience despite concentrated data traffic is the central benchmark for this phase of the rollout. This real-world scenario allows the operator to validate the performance and reliability of the infrastructure before broader scaling.