Current State of 5G in Germany
Five years into the deployment of the 5G mobile network standard in Germany, the telecommunications industry is now evaluating further expansion and preparing for future advancements. This overview discusses the current status of 5G in Germany and what lies ahead.
Understanding the Benefits of 5G
5G, the fifth generation of mobile networks, offers significantly faster data speeds compared to its predecessor, 4G. While 4G speeds can reach up to 300 megabits per second, 5G has the potential to deliver speeds up to 1000 megabits per second. However, these are peak values; real-world speeds may vary. Vodafone Germany’s CEO, Marcel de Groot, highlighted that during the European Football Championship, average speeds of 140 megabits per second were recorded for users connected to 5G, a stark contrast to the reduced speeds experienced on 4G at crowded events. In addition to speed, 5G also improves latency, which is crucial for applications requiring quick response times, such as gaming. It’s also more energy-efficient.
Coverage and Expansion
As of mid-2023, Germany’s major telecom operators have made significant progress in rolling out 5G networks. Vodafone initially launched a small 5G network in July 2019, followed by Deutsche Telekom and O2 Telefónica opening their networks to consumers. Deutsche Telekom currently leads with coverage reaching over 96% of German households, closely followed by O2 and Vodafone. The latest entrant, 1&1, started its 5G services recently and is gradually expanding.
Coverage figures often refer to residential areas, as per regulations from the Bundesnetzagentur (Federal Network Agency). However, geographical coverage is more relevant for consumers who require connectivity on the go. As of April 2024, Deutsche Telekom leads with a geographic coverage of 81.1%, followed by Vodafone and O2 Telefónica.
Challenges in Complete Coverage
Despite the progress, achieving near-total coverage remains challenging. The remaining areas are often the most difficult to cover due to geographical and logistical issues. Companies face challenges in securing land for new antennas and navigating long bureaucratic processes, especially in protected natural areas. Additionally, some property owners are reluctant to lease their land for antenna installations.
Consumer Adoption and Future of 5G
Although 5G is included in the main tariffs of major carriers without an extra charge, smaller providers may charge additional fees, and the maximum speed is often capped. According to Jörg Schamberg from the comparison site Verivox, for many users, the existing 4G coverage is sufficient for most applications. The cost of high-speed 5G remains a consideration, with contracts offering fast 5G speeds typically starting at around 20 euros per month in 2024.
Anticipating 6G
Looking ahead, the telecommunications industry expects a new mobile standard roughly every ten years. The next generation, 6G, is anticipated around 2029 or 2030. 6G is expected to improve on the already fast data transmission and response times offered by 5G and may find applications in areas like remote medical procedures. 6G will likely coexist with 5G for many years, similar to the current overlap between 5G and 4G.
