5G expansion progressing
The Federal Network Agency has updated its map of mobile network coverage in Germany. Mobile network operators are continuing their measures to expand the powerful 5G networks.
Provision of 5G
In recent months, provision of 5G by at least one network operator has increased to around 79% of the land area in Germany (in October 2022). When data was first recorded in October 2021, the figure stood at around 53%. In a comparison of the individual network operators, the 5G area coverage ranges from around 37% to 55%.
Increase in 5G test points of the dead zone app
This development is reflected in the measurements from the Federal Network Agency’s broadband measurement dead zone app, which shows a steady increase in 5G test points. In September 2022, the proportion was already 14% and continues to grow. However, 4G remains the dominant technology (around 80% of all test points). To use the 5G technology, end customers must have a 5G-capable device and a 5G contract.
The current expansion of 5G networks is to some extent still based on the existing 4G infrastructure. Dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) is also used. DSS permits the parallel use of 4G and 5G in the same frequency band. The available bandwidth of a particular frequency band is allocated as needed to the active 4G and 5G users in a cell. We are also seeing an increase in the use of radio frequencies exclusively for 5G.
Information about mobile monitoring by the Federal Network Agency is published at www.bundesnetzagentur.de/mobilfunk-monitoring.