Global 5G Coverage
As of November 2023, 5G coverage is still relatively limited, but it is expanding rapidly. According to mobile network performance analyzer Ookla, 5G availability is now present in over 170 countries and territories around the world. However, the actual coverage varies from country to country.
South Korea is currently considered to have the most advanced 5G network in the world, with coverage in over 90% of the country. Other countries with high levels of 5G coverage include the United States, China, Japan, and Singapore.
In terms of population coverage, 5G is currently available to around 35% of the world's population. This is expected to increase to 85% by 2028.
Here are some of the factors that are affecting the global rollout of 5G:
- Spectrum availability: The deployment of 5G requires access to specific radio frequencies, which are not always readily available.
- Infrastructure costs: Building out 5G networks can be expensive, as it requires the installation of new towers and other infrastructure.
- Device availability: Not all devices are currently compatible with 5G networks.
- Regulatory approvals: The deployment of 5G networks requires regulatory approval from governments in each country.
Despite these challenges, the rollout of 5G is expected to continue to accelerate in the coming years. 5G is a key technology for the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and other emerging technologies. It is also expected to play a major role in the digital economy.