As the world continues to rely more heavily on technological advances, 5G technology has become a buzzword in many parts of the globe. Since the initial rollout of this next-generation wireless network in 2018, different countries have progressed at different paces with 5G availability. The following is a breakdown of 5G availability around the world.

United States

Although it was one of the first countries to introduce 5G, network coverage in the US is not yet widespread. As of April 2020, just 4% of Americans had access to 5G networks, and many of those were concentrated in major cities. However, there are ongoing efforts to expand 5G coverage, with network carriers spending billions of dollars on infrastructure investment.

China

China is arguably the most advanced country when it comes to 5G availability. The country has already set up over 50,000 5G base stations and is set to surpass the expected 500,000 by the end of 2020. Major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen already have significant 5G network coverage, and China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are leading the race to expand network accessibility.

South Korea

South Korea was the first country in the world to launch 5G networks in April 2019. All major cities have good network coverage, and the government aims to expand coverage to smaller cities and rural areas. South Korea has a record number of 5G users, and the number is expected to increase exponentially with more affordable 5G devices coming to the market.

Japan

Japan is home to some of the world’s most advanced technology companies, and it’s no surprise that the country is also making a push on 5G network construction. Local carriers such as NTT DoCoMo are actively investing in network infrastructure, but Japan’s 5G coverage is not yet widespread, with just a few major cities having access.

Europe

5G availability in Europe varies by country. Switzerland has already launched 5G networks, and some Swiss cities already have significant coverage. Germany has started delivering 5G services, and several major German cities have launched commercial 5G networks. The UK has also started coming on board, with 5G networks being introduced in major cities such as London, Manchester, and Liverpool.

Conclusion

Although 5G availability around the world varies, it is evident that most countries are actively working to expand 5G network access for users. With the promise of faster internet speeds and the potential for emerging technology such as self-driving cars, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things, the race to achieve full 5G coverage is well underway around the globe.