AT&T and Cisco Launch 5G Standalone IoT Platform
AT&T and Cisco have launched a 5G Standalone (SA) IoT platform for enterprise customers. The platform is designed to provide lower latency, improved security, and greater network control through features like network slicing, which is critical for industrial and real-time embedded systems.
- This collaboration, announced on February 19, 2026, deeply integrates AT&T's nationwide 5G SA core with Cisco's Mobility Services Platform portfolio, which includes the IoT Control Center and Converged Core offerings. This creates a single, seamless platform for enterprises. - The 5G Standalone (SA) architecture is a key feature, meaning it operates independently of any 4G LTE infrastructure. This native 5G core is what enables advanced capabilities like ultra-low latency and network slicing, which are not fully supported by 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) networks that rely on a 4G core. - A primary capability unlocked by this platform is network slicing, which allows for the creation of multiple virtual networks on a single physical network. This enables enterprises to dedicate specific "slices" with tailored bandwidth, latency, and security for different applications, such as prioritizing critical industrial sensors over less urgent data telemetry. - The Cisco IoT Control Center provides enterprises with a unified interface for managing the entire lifecycle of their IoT devices. This includes tools for diagnostics, automation, and near real-time visibility of all devices on the network. - Targeted use cases for this platform include connected vehicles, smart cities, and digital healthcare, all of which demand the high reliability and ultra-low latency that 5G SA provides. For example, in a smart city, network slicing could independently manage traffic signal sensors, emergency vehicle communications, and public safety monitoring on the same physical infrastructure. - AT&T and Cisco have a long-standing partnership in the IoT sector, having worked together for over a decade to manage millions of connected devices across various industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. - The platform is designed to be the foundation for future AI-driven IoT applications, where network connectivity and device control can adapt in real-time to changing business and application needs. - For multinational corporations, the platform leverages Cisco's Converged Core and globally distributed data centers to allow for local data breakouts. This can reduce latency and help with data compliance by processing information closer to its source, subject to regional regulations.
