Investments in fibre and LTE networks’ upgrades is key for 5G successful deployment. Aside from acquiring wireless spectrum, MNOs are investing in upgrading existing LTE and fixed networks. Major issue of interests include deploying small cells, 4×4 MIMO, CA…. 5G deployment in Europe will start in urban areas and will later expand to urban areas and major roads.

MNOs investments & Equipment vendor contracts

As 5G preparation is heating up, MNOs start to announce investments they commit to make.

Country MNOs Equipment Vendors Amount Time period Additional information
Germany Deutsche Telekom NA 20 bEUR 2018-2021 5G launch in 2019

Target 99% pop. Coverage (90% geo. Coverage) by 2025

https://www.t-online.de/digital/id_84594270/telekom-chef-gibt-zusagen-fuer-netzausbau.html

UK/Ireland Three NA >2 bGBP  (2.3 bEUR) 2018- 5G launch in H2 2019

62 MEUR in CAPEX in H1 2018/100 MEUR per year (Spectrum, fibre network, 20 new data centres, CA)

http://www.threemediacentre.co.uk/news/2018/three-UK-committed-to-invest-into-5g.aspx

 

France Orange Decision in early 2019 A share of 7.4 bEUR Orange intends to spend 7.4 bEUR in investments in 2018, a 3% increase compared to 2017. Orange will enhance its fibre deployment and the LTE coverage and prepare 5G.
Outside Europe
USA T-Mobile USA

 

Nokia 3.5 bUSD 2018- 5G launch in 2019

Building of a 3GPP 5G NR nationwide network using 600 MHz and 28 GHz spectrum and Nokia’s 5G technology (AirScale radio platforms and cloud-native core, AirFrame hardware, CloudBand software, SON and 5G Acceleration Services)

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/nokia-5g-agreement

 

USA T-Mobile USA Ericsson 3.5 bUSD 2018 5G NR equipment, digital services solutions, including dynamic orchestration, business support systems (BSS) and Cloud Core

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/ericsson-5g-agreement

China All three MNOs (CM, CU, CT) Nokia >2 bEUR 2018-2019 5G launch in 2019

1-year deal

4G radio and fixed access equipment, IP routing and optical transport equipment

Investments dedicated to 4G networks’ upgrade and pave the way to 5G

CM: radio access, core and passive optical networks, as well as IP routing and optical transport, SDN tools, management and professional services

CU: a range of technologies, including 4G, edge computing, virtualized IMS, SDN, IP routing and optical transport and fixed network technologies

CT: improve 4G coverage and hotspot capacity and continue its “5G cooperation”

South Korea SKT Mainly Samsung (5G), Ericsson, Nokia 9 bUSD

(o/w 5 bUSD for 5G)

 

2017-2019 IoT, 5G, IA, autonomous vehicles
South Korea KT 23 trillion KRW (20.5 bUSD) 2018-

2023

5G R&D (5G Open Lab in Seoul), 5G tests and launch, other tech
Japan NTT DoCoMo 1 trillion JPY (8.8 b USD) 2018- 2023 1 trillion JPY on infrastructure (590 bJPY in 2018, up from 570 bJPY initial target)

10 bJPY (80 KEUR) for offering pre-commercial 5G services in limited locations by Sept. 2019 (official target for launch)

 

Latest News in Europe

Emerging operator 1&1 to launch OpenRAN network

The German company says it will launch its own network on December 8th.

EU 5G and 6G funding initiative announces 2024 work programme

The Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) programme earmarks €129 million in funding for 6G projects.

Tele2 Latvia 5G data consumption grows

The mobile operator says consumption of mobile data in its 5G network has grown 13x this year.

Latvia auctions more 3.6 GHz band spectrum

An additional 50 MHz has been assigned to local operators Tele2 and LMT.

5G Observatory releases annual stakeholder workshop summary

If you missed the workshop first held on the 26th of October, a summary report is now available for download.

Orange Spain to use 5G for fire prevention

The mobile operator will use a combination of technologies to prevent fires at agricultural sites and warehouses.

4iG promises to boost 5G investment

The Hungarian telecoms firm has signed an agreement the the Government to expand its network.

Netherlands opens up 3.6 GHz band for local 5G networks

Local 5G network permits will be available from December 2023.

Vodafone Germany accelerates 5G deployment near railways

Vodafone says it has built over 225 new mobile masts since the start of the year.

All news in Europe
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