European 5G scoreboard

Overview of 5G developments

This page provides an overview of the state of 5G in the European Union. Below you will find maps and charts about 5G population coverage, 5G rollout and 5G spectrum awards.

Map: 5G coverage

Darker green indicates higher coverage

≤20% ≥20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

72% population coverage achieved in EU27

Please note: Overall coverage is a general indicator that does not presume any particular quality of service measures. All 5G coverage is included, including that using dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS). Location covered by at least one operator.

Sources: Data on population coverage, base stations and spectrum assignments is from the DESI index. This data is supplemented with data independently collected by the Observatory

Chart: 5G base stations as a percentage of existing 4G base stations

Total of 256,074 5G base stations by end of 2021 in EU27

Please note: Only the total number of 5G base stations is known for some EU countries. This means the true total number of base stations in the EU in 700 MHz, 3.6 GHz or DSS bands may be higher. Excludes Italy, Estonia and Sweden as there was no base station data available. Additionally, some countries use bands that are not included in this chart and do not operate using a DSS configuration.

Chart: Percentage of pioneer bands assigned

62% of pioneer bands assigned

Please note: Countries need to assign 60 MHz in 700 MHz; 400 MHz in 3.6 GHz and 1000 MHz in 26 GHz to receive a 100% score.

Map: Pioneer bands assigned by country

Please note: Countries need to assign 60 MHz in 700 MHz; 400 MHz in 3.6 GHz and 1000 MHz in 26 GHz to receive a 100% score. 

Latest News in Europe

Croatian 5G auction concluded

Croatia’s regulator HAKOM has awarded 5G spectrum at national level in the 800, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz bands, and at regional level in the 3600 MHz band.

France publishes 5G industry guides

Ericsson and ABB have teamed up to showcase their contributions to the French Industrial 5G strategy. The guides explain innovative 5G applications, including those deployed at the Ford Motors factory in Spain.

Huawei promotes 5.5G vision at Mobile World Congress

The company proposed a new standard for 5G at a summit in Barcelona.

Orange secures €500 million loan for 4G, 5G network rollout

The French mobile operator has secured a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Deutsche Telekom says its 5G network reaches 95% of the population

The German mobile operator has announced a significant expansion of its 5G network.

GSMA launches new initiative to open up mobile network APIs

The industry body is calling the programme the Open Gateway initiative.

Apple iPhone to add standalone 5G support

The next version of the iOS operating system will enable a toggle for 5G standalone services.

Vodafone unveils ‘5G in a box’ prototype

The operator says the prototype will enable small businesses and households to extend 5G coverage and increase capacity.

Nokia and Bosch develop 5G positioning system

The companies have created a system which tracks a device’s location. The technology is intended for Industry 4.0 use cases.

all news in Europe
Subscribe to our mailing list