The fifth generation of mobile networks is referred to as 5G. It is now the new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G offers a new type of network that connects almost everyone and everything, including machines, objects, and gadgets. After years of development, internet networks have shifted from 4G to 5G. Even though 4G networks are sufficient enough, the next iteration of wireless networks is rapidly approaching. Countries that want to remain competitive in the global economy are developing and deploying 5G technology to make it available to residents.
Below are the top 10 countries that use 5G technology this year-
1. China
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang remarked in this year’s government work report about increasing investment in new infrastructure and urbanisation projects to stimulate demand and enhance sustainable growth. China will continue to develop next-gen information networks and increase 5G applications to achieve this goal. The key driving factors for 5G adoption in the country are smartphone and video consumption.
2. South Korea
South Korea, one of the early 5G adopters in 2018, continues to set standards for high speed and low latency. In terms of consumers, 5G connections surpassed 9 million in September 2020, and the country is expected to have more than 40 million 5G subscribers by 2025.
3. The United States
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have all deployed 5G versions widely enough to claim countrywide service. T-Mobile also recently achieved a milestone in its mid-band 2.5 GHz deployment by reaching 200 million people ahead of schedule, to reach 300 million by the end of 2023.
4. Spain
Orange, a Spanish operator, previously stated that it expected its 5G network to reach 1,500 communities by the end of this year. The European carrier stated that it will gradually roll out this technology in more than 1,100 towns and cities throughout 2022, with 820 of them having populations ranging from 1,000 to 50,000 people.
5. The United Kingdom
Over the previous year, the number of mobile base stations providing 5G services has doubled to over 6,500 sites across the UK, with 87% of these located in England, 8% in Scotland, 3% in Wales, and 2% in Northern Ireland. As the technology is implemented, 5G is spreading across the UK, and it is now available in select sections of large towns and cities.
6. Canada
Even though 5G is a new technology in Canada, telecom carriers rapidly expand wireless network coverage across the country. Mobile speeds in Canada have always been among the top ten in the world for download speed, but the new 5G technology has increased network speed by 205 per cent over 4G.
7. Australia
Telstra and Optus have made tremendous improvements in spreading out their 5G networks across Australia. Telstra stated in June 2021 that their 5G network has reached 75% of Australian residences. That includes coverage in over 27,000 suburbs and over 200 cities and towns.
8. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a 5G frontrunner, which may come as a surprise to some. By 2030, the country expects 45 million new IoT devices to be enabled by 5G, creating a market worth US$12 billion. Saudi Telecom now boasts the most extensive 5G coverage, thanks to the collaboration with private firms to improve digital infrastructure and a median speed of 370.12 Mbps.
9. Italy
As the fourth European country to commercially introduce 5G services, Italy is a 5G pioneer; it is also a highly competitive market. TIM just unveiled a 5G cloud network, and WindTre now covers 93 per cent of the country with 5G dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS). The Italian government has also planned to create a USD4 billion investment scheme to connect 6.2 million people to the network for the future implementation of 5G.
10. Finland
Finland was the first country to use 5G technology, making it a forerunner in the area. Finland has made 5G available in several frequency bands, including 00 MHz, 3,400–3,800 MHz, and 26 GHz, which have been recognized as European pioneer frequency bands.
