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.
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
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| 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
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| 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 |
| 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)
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The mobile operator is hoping to bring 5G standalone (SA) to these towns by the end of the first half of 2023.
The companies have trialled a network-slicing solution that connects to private cloud services.
A new document lays out the rationale for banning some 5G equipment that is deemed “high-risk”.
The number of voice calls has decreased for the first time, while 5G now accounts for 14% of subscriptions.
The Dutch mobile operator said it successfully tested 5G standalone (SA) technology in its network.
The network represents a “significant step in the region’s digital transformation, accelerating business operations and fostering innovations,” the companies said.
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.
The company’s new CEO Margherita Della Valle has outlined her strategy to restore growth.
Nokia says it will provide 70 Drone-in-a-Box units to Citymesh for its emergency response product.
