maybe related?
https://5gstore.com/blog/2021/11/05/exploring-5g-standalone-sa-and-non-standalone-nsa/
"In 5G, there is Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA). The difference comes down to how they operate. To put it simply, NSA is like adding a super fast, solid-state hard drive to an old computer, which can improve the system’s performance. SA on the other hand is replacing that old computer with one that supports newer technologies and increased performance. NSA is what carriers began offering, and makes up most of what we’re using in the US. This 5G service is operating with the LTE network. SA 5G is running on the newer frequencies, which promises users more bandwidth and lower latency.
"In a bold move to surpass the major carriers (i.e. T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T), Dish Network, which has no LTE network, is building out a standalone 5G network. T-Mobile is still at the top however, while AT&T still in the testing phases. Verizon doesn’t have much of a timeline at this point, but we suspect they are getting quite close to T-Mobile. In a recent interview with Fierce Wireless, a Verizon spokesperson said, “We currently have traffic running on our 5G SA core and will continue to align its larger rollout with the ecosystem advancements in applications and solutions that will eventually require the advanced capabilities a standalone core will enable.”