As 2024 draws to a close, the story of 5G technology continues to be one of rapid progress, global competition, and transformative potential, writes Colin Stevens.
This year witnessed significant advancements in 5G adoption, infrastructure expansion, and groundbreaking use cases, all while geopolitical tensions and regulatory challenges shaped the rollout of this next-generation technology.
Europe: Balancing expansion, innovation and regulation
Across Europe, 2024 was a year of accelerated 5G deployment and increased regulatory scrutiny. According to the European Commission, over 75% of EU citizens now have access to 5G networks, a significant leap from the previous year. However, with the rapid expansion of this technology, European oversight and regulation took centre stage, addressing challenges related to security, competition, and sustainability.
Key developments included:
- Infrastructure expansion: Nations like Germany, France, and the Nordic countries launched 5G standalone networks, unlocking ultra-low latency for industrial automation, healthcare, and autonomous transport systems.
- Security oversight: The European Commission implemented stricter measures to limit reliance on high-risk vendors, including Huawei, citing concerns over potential vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. While some countries like Hungary continued to work with Huawei, others, including Germany and France, pivoted toward European providers such as Nokia and Ericsson.
- Spectrum allocation: Disputes between telecom operators and governments over spectrum pricing and access slowed progress in some regions, sparking calls for standardized EU-wide policies to streamline deployment.
Huawei: A divisive issue
Huawei remained a contentious figure in Europe’s 5G rollout. The company’s advanced and cost-effective 5G solutions made it attractive for countries looking to expand their networks quickly. However, mounting concerns over data security and geopolitical risks, driven by allegations of ties to the Chinese government, prompted a significant backlash.
The European Union’s 5G Security Toolbox issued in 2020 provided guidelines that, by 2024, led to stricter limitations on Huawei’s participation in core 5G networks. Proponents of Huawei argue that sidelining the company slows down deployment and increases costs, particularly for developing regions in Europe. Critics, however, contend that these measures are necessary to safeguard Europe’s digital sovereignty and reduce dependence on external actors.
Global developments: The race for supremacy
On the global stage, 2024 was marked by intense competition for 5G leadership:
- United States: The U.S. advanced millimetre-wave 5G coverage, focusing on rural areas and private network applications. Collaborations between carriers and tech firms drove innovation in manufacturing, logistics, and smart agriculture.
- China: Huawei played a central role in China’s domestic 5G dominance, with over 1.2 billion 5G users and integration into smart city and autonomous vehicle projects. While thriving at home, the company faced bans or restrictions in Western markets due to ongoing security concerns.
- India: India’s government-led initiative expanded 5G into rural and semi-urban regions, integrating it into education, healthcare, and agricultural development projects.
- Africa: Rapid adoption in countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya demonstrated how 5G can leapfrog infrastructural challenges, enabling mobile banking and digital entrepreneurship.
Breakthrough applications and industries transformed
This year highlighted the diverse use cases of 5G technology:
- Health care: From real-time telemedicine to remote surgeries, 5G reshaped healthcare delivery, extending care to underserved areas.
- Entertainment: Immersive AR/VR gaming, 360-degree sports streaming, and holographic concerts offered new ways to experience media.
- Smart cities: Urban hubs like Dubai and Helsinki showcased smart traffic systems, waste management, and enhanced public safety powered by 5G.
- Energy: Integration of 5G into renewable energy grids optimized resource allocation and monitoring, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Challenges: Oversight and controversies
Despite its promise, 2024 was not without hurdles:
- Geopolitical risks: The U.S.-China rivalry disrupted supply chains and prompted new trade barriers, with Huawei at the centre of the controversy.
- Health concerns: Advocacy groups reignited debates over 5G’s health impacts, though scientific studies largely debunked such fears.
- Regulatory compliance: The European Commission’s stringent guidelines increased operational costs for telecom operators, who argued for greater government subsidies to meet regulatory demands.
The European Commission’s restrictions on Huawei sparked both praise and criticism. While many lauded the focus on security, others argued that excluding Huawei stifled competition and innovation, particularly in regions needing affordable solutions for rapid 5G deployment.
Looking ahead to 2025
As 2025 approaches, Europe and the world are gearing up for the next phase of 5G evolution. The European Commission is expected to advance its Digital Decade targets, including universal 5G coverage and sustainable network integration. Globally, the focus is shifting to 6G research, where Europe aims to play a leading role.
The journey of 5G in 2024 underscores its transformative power, the necessity of robust oversight, and the potential for innovation to drive societal progress. With careful regulation and strategic investments, 5G is set to reshape industries and improve lives worldwide.
Photo by Josh Withers on Unsplash.
Author
Colin Stevens founded EU Reporter in 2008. He has more than 30 years of experience as a TV producer and journalist. He is a past president of the Press Club Brussels (2020-2022) and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters at Zerah Business School (Malta and Luxembourg) for leadership in European journalism.
