European Union's 5G Progress: A Step-by-Step Catch-Up
Europe gradually narrowing the gap with South Korea and Japan in 5G deployment: study
The European Commission's 5G targets, established in 2021, reflect the region's slow but steady progress towards matching global counterparts in the deployment of 5G networks. Despite some lingering behind major players like Korea and Japan, the Digital Decade report released on Monday suggests that the EU is gradually closing the gap.
Although Europe still lags in the deployment of standalone 5G networks, the report suggests that the targets for 100% household 5G coverage by 2030—presented by the Commission in 2021—are likely to be met sooner. According to the report, by 2027, the EU is projected to achieve 100% household coverage, three years ahead of the original deadline.
As for rural areas, just under 80% were reached by 5G coverage in 2024, a significant increase from 71% in 2023. However, compared to other leading regions such as Korea (100%), Japan (99.2%), Norway (99.0%), the United States (97.0%), India, and China (both at around 95%), the EU still has some ground to cover.
The urgent need for 5G connections arises as the reliance on internet-connected devices, industrial appliances, and increasing data volumes becomes more prevalent.
Targets Achievement and Challenges
According to the report, the EU has made "steady progress" in digitalizing key public services in 2024. However, the report also points out the ongoing challenges, including fragmented markets, overly complicated regulations, securities concerns, and dependence on non-EU service providers.
To address these issues, the Commission plans to present its Digital Networks Act (DNA), an overhaul of the bloc's telecom rules, in December. Currently, a consultation on the DNA is underway.
Alessandro Gropelli, the director general of telecom association Connect Europe, emphasized the need for a "deep reform of Europe's connectivity policies" to keep up with the demands of the 21st century. Laszlo Toth, head of Europe at mobile network operators' trade association GSMA, also expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the challenges in providing people with the necessary level of connectivity under the current regulatory circumstances, and urged the Commission to continue promoting a simplified and investment-friendly environment in the upcoming DNA and merger reviews.
The Road Ahead for Europe's 5G Deployment
The 27 EU member states will soon discuss the Commission's report and deliberate on the way forward. Next year, the EU executive plans to review the targets and determine whether they still align with the evolving demands of the EU's priorities. As the world quickly embraces the benefits of 5G, Europe is poised to join the race and step up its 5G game.
Note: Korea, Japan, and Norway are not EU member states but are included due to their excellence in 5G deployment.
Further Reading
- MEPs who signed Huawei-linked 5G letter deny payments
- EU Commission looking to speed up 5G defense from foreign interference
- Europe's 5G coverage lagging amid declining investment: report
Related Topics
- 5G
- EU Policy
- Telecommunication
The EU's 5G progress, as suggested by the Digital Decade report, involves making significant strides in digitalizing key public services, but faces ongoing challenges such as fragmented markets, overly complex regulations, securities concerns, and a reliance on non-EU service providers. To address these issues, the Commission plans to propose the Digital Networks Act (DNA) in December, aiming to deepen the reform of Europe's connectivity policies to meet the demands of the 21st century.
The deployment of 5G networks in Europe also coincides with an increasing reliance on internet-connected devices, industrial appliances, and increasing data volumes in the finance, data-and-cloud-computing, and industry sectors, underscoring the urgent need for better connectivity. As Europe moves towards meeting the targets for 100% household 5G coverage, it will continue to grapple with closing the gap with leading regions in finance, technology, and innovation.
