The 5G Observatory started in 2018 and it currently in its third phase. In its first phase it assessed movement towards the policy goals set out in the 5G Action Plan, most of which have been achieved. The key goal was to foster a coordinated EU approach to 5G with the release of the 5G pioneer spectrum bands (700 MHz, 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz) and commercial launches by 2020. This has happened in most member states, but not all. We continue to assess progress in this area.

However, the main focus of the 5G Observatory in its third phase is the EU policy goals contained within the Digital Decade initiative and the 5G Security Toolbox.  These include:

• 5G coverage of all populated areas by 2030
• Pan-European deployment of 5G corridors
• Multi-country 5G initiatives
• Leveraging EU recovery funds for 5G projects
• Improving the security of 5G networks
• Limiting any dependency on a single 5G vendor
• Stimulating the EU’s capabilities as a 5G equipment manufacturer

To monitor these goals we examine issues such as  5G coverage; spectrum awards; and public policies to stimulate 5G’s growth. The adoption of 5G by new vertical industries like factories and agriculture is a particularly important topic because the Digital Decade initiative sees 5G verticals as key to digital transformation for businesses.

Our monitoring comes in two forms: through the news items on this website and in our detailed quarterly reports analysing recent developments.

Our main focus is 5G in Europe, but we also examine major international markets like the USA, Japan, China and South Korea.

The monitoring carried out by Idate Digiworld in the first phase of the 5G Observatory is still available on the archive page. This includes the database of 5G trials.