DIGITAL LIFE

5G Standalone: ​​Europe scores worst in 5G SA network performance and availability

The rollout of 5G Standalone (SA) networks is gaining momentum internationally. While Europe has ambitious targets, a new report shows that the region scores worst in 5G SA network performance and availability.

The European Union has ambitious 5G targets. Examples include the Digital Decade connectivity targets, which aim to achieve full Gigabit and 5G network coverage by 2030, as well as the recent Competitiveness Compass targets, which prioritize investments in 5G Standalone (SA).

However, a new report shows that Europe scores worst in 5G SA network performance and availability. The report, produced by Ookla and Omdia, highlights that significant disparities in 5G SA network deployment in Europe are weakening the region’s competitiveness and deepening the gap with the United States and China.

According to the data provided, in the last quarter of 2024, China (80%), India (52%) and the United States (24%) led the rankings for 5G SA availability, well ahead of Europe (2%).

The region also lags behind in other important metrics. The average download speed recorded for European consumers who already have access to 5G SA is 221.17 Mbps. By comparison, the speed recorded in the Americas is around 384.42 Mbps.

The average download speed in Europe is also below that recorded in the Asia-Pacific region, whether in developed countries (237.04 Mbps) or developing countries (259.73 Mbps).

In Europe, the process of deploying 5G SA networks is proceeding at different speeds. The report highlights that the best results were observed in countries that have specific policies designed to encourage deployment, notably Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain.

At the international level, 5G SA networks represent significant performance improvements compared to non-standalone architectures.

For example, in the last quarter of 2024, average latency was 20% lower on 5G SA networks in China and Europe, and 25% lower in the United States and Japan. Similarly, average download speeds on 5G SA networks are 57% higher in Europe and 84% higher in China.

Despite the improvements, Europe has yet to fully realize the potential of 5G SA. The technology’s advanced capabilities are still limited to a few operators in leading markets such as the United States. Furthermore, European operators need to adapt their business models to fully exploit the technology’s monetization potential, the report notes.

munfophone