5G Slices for App Developers

Getting started

Mobile phone plan

To utilize gaming slice, you need an actual Telekom MagentaMobil including the 5G+ Gaming option (free of charge, details). Testing of the real-time communication slice will be enabled soon, feel free to contact us for further information.

Device requirements

Since 5G networks and network slicing are still relatively new, not all mobile devices and operating systems support these capabilities yet. See below for information on devices and operating systems known to support slicing today. Devices that do not support slicing will not be able to utilize Telekom Germany video calling and gaming slice.

Apple

Hardware:

• iPhone 17 (any model)
• iPhone 16 (any model)
• iPhone 15 (any model)

Software: latest software (at least iOS 26.2)

Samsung devices (selection)

Hardware:

• Samsung Galaxy S25 series (S25, S25+, S25 Edge, S25 Ultra)
• Samsung Galaxy S24 series (S24, S24+, S24 Ultra)

Software: lastest software (at least 2HY 2025)

Other devices

Please refer to: https://www.telekom.de/optionsuebersicht/mobilfunk/5gplus-gaming for details. Additional devices are listed at the bottom of the webpage.

Location requirements

Network slicing is available within Germany. For mobile network coverage details please refer to https://www.telekom.de/netz/mobilfunk-netzausbau

Response times compared- The innovative 5G technology ensures a smooth game and more fun while playing. © Deutsche Telekom

Network Slicing

Network Slicing is a 5G SA (standalone) capability that provides distinct virtual network “slices” on top of a shared 5G architecture. Each slice can have its own characteristics, logical topology, and security rules to optimize network characteristics for specific use cases, such as real-time communications and gaming Apps.

As an application developer for iOS™ or Android™, you can leverage 5G network slicing to enhance app performance and deliver an improved user experience.

Slicing is only available in 5G standalone (SA) networks, since 5G non-standalone (NSA) relies on the LTE core and cannot provide differentiated slices. Devices can support both NSA and SA modes, with a service-based handover enabling the transition between them. In NSA mode, apps primarily benefit from high bandwidth through carrier aggregation, while SA slicing mode enables service-specific optimization for app performance. A key feature in SA slicing is L4S (Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput), which further enhances performance by providing ultra-low latency and stable throughput—critical for real-time communication and interactive applications.

In the Telekom mobile network (Germany), the following slices are supported for Apps in the consumer segment:

• Real-time communication slice: ultra-low latency, low jitter, and high reliability for VoIP, video telephony, video conferencing, and critical interactions.

• Gaming slice: high throughput and low latency for cloud gaming, multiplayer platforms, and AR/VR gaming applications.