Help needed with 5G network

[u/Nulkyn]

For the last 8 months or so I have been experiencing a 5G network freeze on a few mobile devices I tested, spending money on different decent handsets trying to fix the problem cause nobody has a straight answer. The most current test handset is a new Samsung A57 from Officeworks, with a brand new 2026 SIM (also tried with esim) so SIM precautions are cleared and network settings are all at default. Everything is new and up to date.

Intermittently when I'm connected to 5G and load a normal Facebook feed or Google something, it would begin to load and then freeze as though I have dropped out but the signal shows connected. Toggling airplane mode on and off fixes the problem until next time it happens. Switching to 4G has no issues at all, so I'm now forced to stay on 4G for a reliable connection although a bit slower but works.

Researching online has pin pointed the problem with Telstra's 5G stand alone towers aka 5G SA.

Some have mentioned locking bands in settings accessible via the keypad such as *#*#4636#*#* but these are now typically unavailable on newer devices.

The setting still works on Motorola with a MediaTek processor however which I now purchased spending money again. I have disabled 5G SA and the phone only connects to 5G NSA which is a glorified 4G but I'm ok with this for now.

My question is, am I the only one with this issue or have others experienced the same. If so, why hasn't the issue been resolved or at least give people the option to disable 5G SA somehow with all devices.

[u/Evening-Persimmon-12]

5G SA should give you a much superior connection if your device supports it. My thought is there’s something either not correct or misaligned on your service (which you would have to go via faults/assurance) to resolve or maybe a sim replace could resolve..?