Major European 5G Trials and Pilots

As many as 258 trials have been listed as of March 2021. The share of technical tests dropped significantly in the past year as several mobile operators have already launched 5G commercial services and others are planning 5G network deployment for 2021. On the contrary, trials concerning 5G Standalone networks and Open RAN have increased.

The 258 trials were conducted in 31 countries (209 trials in 25 of the 27 EU MSs and the UK and 49 in Russia, San Marino, Norway, Turkey, and Switzerland). No trials have been registered so far in the following Member States: Cyprus, and Slovenia.

Media and automotive are the verticals majorly driving trials

The most trialled verticals are media and entertainment (39 trials) followed by transport (34 trials) and automotive (24 trials).

Verticals tested in 5G trials

Source: IDATE DigiWorld, March 2021

The most numerous trials performed in Spain, Germany, Italy, the UK and Russia

Trials have been the most numerous in Spain, Germany, Italy, and Russia. The top four biggest economies in the European Union (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) are totalling 38% of trials, reaching 46% when the UK is included. Spain remains the country with more trials and Germany ranks second followed by Italy. On average, almost 9 trials per country have been listed so far.

5G trials by country

Source: IDATE DigiWorld, March 2021

The 3.4-3.8 GHz band is by far the most tested frequency band by far (69% of the trials)

When indicated (frequency bands tested are available only in selected trials, representing 47% of all trials listed), the most used frequency band for trials is by far the 3.4-3.8 GHz (84 trials tested the 3.4-3.8 GHz frequencies out of 122 trials mentioning which band was considered). The 28 GHz band is the second band with more tests, 13 tests in total. The 26 GHz band has been used in 10 tests.