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

Orange Spain to launch 5G standalone in 30 towns

The mobile operator is hoping to bring 5G standalone (SA) to these towns by the end of the first half of 2023.

Deutsche Telekom and Ericsson trial network slicing solution

The companies have trialled a network-slicing solution that connects to private cloud services.

Portugal one step closer to banning Chinese 5G vendors

A new document lays out the rationale for banning some 5G equipment that is deemed “high-risk”.

Swedish regulator sees drop in number of mobile voice calls as 5G use grows

The number of voice calls has decreased for the first time, while 5G now accounts for 14% of subscriptions.

KPN tests 5G Standalone technology

The Dutch mobile operator said it successfully tested 5G standalone (SA) technology in its network.

Telia and Ericsson announce Baltics’ first enterprise 5G private network in Tallinn

The network represents a “significant step in the region’s digital transformation, accelerating business operations and fostering innovations,” the companies said.

Frankfurt pilot transforms street lamps into 5G hotspots

A pilot project by 5G-Synergiewerk GmbH, telecom provider O2 Telefónica and energy supplier Mainova is converting street lights into 5G spots to densify the city’s 5G network.

Vodafone group to cut 11,000 jobs

The company’s new CEO Margherita Della Valle has outlined her strategy to restore growth.

Belgium’s Citymesh gets Nokia Drone Networks platform

Nokia says it will provide 70 Drone-in-a-Box units to Citymesh for its emergency response product.

all news in Europe
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