It will take a few more years before 5G is fully deployed, both at network and service levels. On the one hand, the traditional mobile operators (Proximus, Orange, Telenet) are still in the process of further developing 5G and the transition towards 5G SA, while the fourth operator DIGI is setting up its own radio access network.
6G is the logical successor to 5G, but is not expected before 2030. In general, 6G will be even more performant in terms of speeds, latency, terminal densities and security. In terms of available frequency, frequencies in the 470-692 MHz band, the upper part of the 6 GHz band, and frequencies above 40 GHz are considered at international level.
The measures needed to enable direct 5G communication between ordinary terminal devices and/or smartphones and satellite networks are currently being explored. This will be interesting in areas where there is no terrestrial 5G coverage.
Yes, a licence for a private 5G network is possible.
A private 5G network is a dedicated local area network that provides wireless connectivity tailored to the needs of a specific organization or company. It offers the greatest possible speed and reliability, along with increased security. These benefits make private 5G a good choice for companies that need robust, secure communications. It is ideal for applications that require high reliability and low latency, such as industrial automation.
The legislator has provided a specific regulatory framework for private local 5G networks. These networks typically cover an industrial site. To that effect, the BIPT can allocate spectrum in the 3800-4200 MHz band. This spectrum is primarily intended for companies. It is not intended to achieve regional coverage, supplying an entire municipality.
The private 5G networks can be connected to the public network. Numbers can be requested from the BIPT in advance to that effect.
5G standalone (5G SA) and 5G non-standalone (5G NSA) are 2 types of network infrastructure.
For operators with an existing 4G LTE network, it is easier to start with 5G non-standalone (5G NSA). For this purpose, these operators use new 5G radio equipment, which they however lay over the existing 4G LTE infrastructure. This allows operators to offer 5G services faster and more cheaply, but a 5G NSA network is subject to the limitations of 4G LTE. Users enjoy a higher data rate, although 5G NSA does not allow access to certain 5G benefits that require the dedicated 5G core that is provided in 5G standalone (5G SA).
In the case of 5G SA, the operator rolls out a completely new 5G network that is entirely separate from its existing 4G infrastructure. 5G SA is a true 5G network, with 5G radios and a 5G core, that fully realizes the promised benefits of 5G. Unlike 5G NSA, 5G SA supports:
For ordinary consumer applications, 5G SA is less necessary. Therefore, the typical user will often not notice whether the network is a 5G SA or a 5G NSA.
5G has been operational in Belgium since the end of 2020. In the course of 2020, Belgian operators already activated 5G on the spectrum for which provisional rights of use had been granted at the time, as well as on the basis of their then 3G licence in the 2100 MHz band.
In 2022, the 5G pioneer bands at 700 MHz and 3600 MHz were auctioned for a period of 20 years. Currently Proximus, Orange and Telenet offer an abundance of 5G services on their own networks.
DIGI launched a commercial service offer in December 2024. Pending the development of its own 5G network, DIGI offers 4G via the Proximus network.
The MVNOs ("mobile virtual network operators", they do not have their own wireless network infrastructure but use the network of a mobile network operator to offer mobile communications services) naturally follow the evolution towards 5G.
The initial deployment of 5G is mainly based on NSA (non-standalone), keeping the benefits of 5G from being fully realized.
All major manufacturers market 5G compatible phones.
To use 5G, your phone must be equipped with 5G-compliant hardware.
A 5G smartphone also always has the possibility to use 4G.
5G does not require a dedicated SIM card, but a 5G subscription is required.
All you need to know about 5G