5G News Round-Up for the Week to 23 February 2025

Overview

This week saw significant developments across the 5G landscape, with major announcements in enterprise adoption, network deployment strategies, and technological innovations. Key themes included GSMA’s bullish GDP growth forecasts tied to 5G adoption, continued evolution of private networks, and important updates on 5G standalone (SA) deployment progress in Europe.

Key Stories

Economic Impact and Industry Growth

The GSMA released projections showing 5G and related technologies will drive $11 trillion in global GDP value by 2030 across manufacturing, financial services, automotive and aviation sectors. This represents 8.4% of total projected world GDP, up from $6.5 trillion (5.8%) in 2024. The report highlights that 85% of enterprises now consider 5G critical to their digital transformation strategies.

Network Infrastructure and Deployment

Europe continues to lag behind other regions in 5G SA deployment according to a joint study from Omdia and Ookla. The research shows European median 5G SA download speeds of 221.17 Mbit/s trail the Americas (384.42 Mbit/s) and Asia Pacific regions. However, Europe leads in latency performance with 32ms compared to 35ms in the Americas.

Private Networks and Enterprise Solutions

Several notable private network deployments were announced this week:
– Deutsche Telekom implemented a 5G SA private network for broadcaster RTL Deutschland
– NTT Data won a multi-year deal to deploy private 5G for Roularta Media Group’s manufacturing facility
– Smart Mobile Labs secured a €10 million framework agreement with Deutsche Bahn for private 5G networks

Operator Developments

Vodafone Spain announced plans to expand its 5G coverage to 90% of the population by end-2025, including approximately 1,000 additional municipalities. The expansion leverages 700MHz spectrum for enhanced indoor coverage and rural connectivity.

Suggested Reading

1. 5G to Drive $11tn in Global GDP by 2030

Key insight into economic impact across industries

2. Europe Behind on 5G SA Deployment

Comprehensive analysis of regional 5G performance metrics

3. Globe Telecom Tests Nokia API Suite

Innovation in network API development and security

4. Eutelsat, Partners Claim Satellite 5G First

Eutelsat Group, MediaTek, and Airbus Defence and Space conducted what they asserted as the world’s first successful trial of a 5G non-terrestrial-network (NTN) connection involving a commercial fleet of low Earth orbit satellites

5. Vodafone Spain’s 5G Coverage Plans

Strategic network expansion blueprint