Even though Europe is still lagging in the deployment of standalone 5G networks, the bloc is slowly catching up with other regions in the world, a European Commission report on connectivity targets published Monday suggested.
The so-called Digital Decade report said that targets to have all EU households connected to 5G by 2030 - presented by the Commission in 2021 - ware likely to be met.
“The percentage of households covered by 5G (all spectrum bands) rose by 5.3 percentage points, from 89.0% in 2023 to 94.3% in 2024. This represents a year-on-year increase of 6.0%. According to the forecast along the baseline trajectory, 100% of the target is expected to be achieved already by 2027,” the report said.
When it comes to rural areas, just under 80% were reached by 5G coverage, up from 71% in 2023.
Korea leads with 100% coverage, followed by Japan (99.2%) and Norway (99.0%). The US (97.0%), India and China (all 95%) also exceed or match the EU's coverage rate.
5G connections are deemed necessary as the use of internet connected devices, industrial appliances and data volumes increase.
Targets
The report – which also looked at digital skills, cloud and AI uptake -- said that overall, the EU made “steady progress” in 2024 in digitalising key public services, but a substantial portion of governmental digital infrastructure continues to depend on service providers from outside the EU.
“The data shows persisting challenges, such as fragmented markets, overly complex regulations, security and strategic dependence. Further public and private investment and easier access to venture capital for EU companies would accelerate innovation and scale up,” the report said.
In December, the Commission is set to present its Digital Networks Act (DNA), an overhaul of the bloc’s telecom rules to address connectivity issues. A consultation on the DNA is currently open.
In a response to Monday’s report, Alessandro Gropelli, director general of telecom association Connect Europe, said a “deep reform of Europe’s connectivity policies is required.”
“We support an ambitious Digital Networks Act inspired by the Draghi Report: in the 21st century, there is no competitiveness without strong connectivity companies,” he added.
Laszlo Toth, head of Europe at mobile network operators' trade association GSMA, said the report was encouraging but cautioned against complacency.
"Getting a basic level of 5G coverage across Europe is one thing but actually providing people with the level of connectivity they need remains a huge challenge under current regulatory circumstances. We need the Commission to continue to look to the future in the upcoming DNA and merger reviews and promote a simplified and pro-investment environment where our digital ecosystem can truly thrive," said Toth.
The 27 EU member states will now discuss the Commission’s report and discuss the way forward. Next year, the EU executive will review the targets and whether they still reflect the evolving demand of the EU’s priorities.
