Some embodiments of this disclosure include systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media for use in a wireless network for operating eMTC (enhanced Machine Type Communication) user equipment (UE) and/or NB-IoT UEs when connected to a 5G Core Network (5GCN). For example, some embodiments are directed to a user equipment (UE). The UE includes processor circuitry and radio front circuitry. The processor circuitry can be configured to receive, using the radio front end circuitry and from a Non-Access Stratum layer (NAS) of a cell, an indication to use a 5G Core Network (5GCN) for the cell. The processor circuitry can be further configured to transmit, using the radio front end, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection request in response to the indication to use the 5GCN.