According to the GSMA’s most recent report on the state of the mobile sector in Europe, challenging market circumstances will have a detrimental influence on 5G adoption, with Digital Decade targets endangered by slower 5G deployment compared to rival global markets.
The GSMA noted that 34 European markets had 5G service available as of the end of June 2022, with 108 providers providing commercial services and a user adoption of about 6%. Norway has the highest rate of 5G adoption at 16%, although there is also growth in Switzerland (14%), Finland (13%), the UK (11%) and Germany (10%).
According to the Association, average 5G penetration will reach 44% by 2025, with the United Kingdom and Germany predicted to lead with 61% and 59% respectively. Nevertheless, GSMA researchers observed that even these nations were likely to lag behind global counterparts such as South Korea, which is expected to have 73% penetration, and the US and Japan, which are expected to achieve adoption figures of approximately 68% each.
Although 5G network coverage in Europe will increase to 70% by 2025, over a third of the population will remain without this service. To meet the European Commission’s 2030 goals, the organization reaffirmed their request to establish the appropriate circumstances for private infrastructure investment, network modernization and digital innovation, emphasizing the necessity for outside contributions to network expenses.
Daniel Pataki, GSMA Vice President for Policy & Regulation, and Head of Europe, said: “Europe is adopting 5G faster than ever before, but greater focus on creating the right market conditions for infrastructure investment is needed to keep pace with other world markets. This should include the implementation of the principle of fair contribution to network costs.”
