Enhanced G5 Network's Performance, Yet Incomplete Coverage - Enhancements in the G5 Network Scope, Yet Limited to Specific Regions
In Thuringia, a central German state, significant strides have been made in expanding the 5G mobile network, Deutsche Telekom reported. The company has increased the coverage area of its 5G network from 11,600 square kilometers to over 13,700 square kilometers in the past two years, attaining an 85% network penetration. This expansion ensures that more than one million households in the region now have access to the most advanced network currently available.
Additional service providers, such as Vodafone and o2 (formerly Telefonica Germany), are also augmenting 5G availability within the state. While specific details about Deutsche Telekom's recent activities in Thuringia are sparse, network growth in other regions indicates ongoing investments in 5G infrastructure nationwide by all providers.
Despite this progress, gaps in the 5G network remain, with some site contracts for cell towers facing expiration and regional pushback to projects. Telekom relies on collaboration with municipalities and property owners to identify suitable locations for new mobile sites.
These efforts to provide comprehensive 5G network coverage in Thuringia encounter several challenges, including difficulties in supplying rural areas, regulatory hurdles, infrastructure costs, and technological limitations stemming from factors such as terrain, weather conditions, and the availability of suitable frequencies. As the telecommunications industry continues to invest in infrastructure development and explores innovative solutions like shared infrastructure and collaborative strategies, these barriers are likely to be addressed over time.
[1] Source: Vodafone press release, November 20, 2020
- To address the technological limitations and ensure equitable access to the 5G network in rural areas, it might be beneficial for Thuringia's community policy to consider investments in vocational training for telecommunications technicians, to develop specialist skills required for optimizing network coverage in challenging environments.
- As part of its ongoing commitment to infrastructure development, Deutsche Telekom could consider integrating vocational training programs into their community policy, educating local property owners and municipal officials about the importance of 5G technology and the benefits of collaborating on new mobile site projects, thereby fostering a supportive environment for expanding the 5G network in Thuringia.
