The European 5G Fairytale
For years, European policymakers and telecom operators have touted the impressive figure: “89% 5G coverage of populated areas.” On paper, this paints a picture of near-ubiquitous, high-speed connectivity. Scratch the surface however, and the reality looks quite different.
As Coleago Consulting’s latest analysis, The European 5G Fairy Tale, reveals, Europe’s 5G dream is far from realised.
The Illusion of Coverage
As a starting point, let’s consider that ‘89% 5G coverage’ claim. What this really refers to is 5G Non-Standalone (NSA), a hybrid of 4G and 5G that runs on existing 4G infrastructure. While it may display the “5G” icon on your phone, NSA lacks the features that define true 5G – ultra-low latency, guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) and network slicing. These capabilities require 5G Standalone (SA), which currently covers only around 40% of the population in Europe – and that coverage is neither seamless nor reliable.
A User Experience that Does not Match the Map
Real-world data paints a sobering picture. In cities like Berlin, London and Lyon, users frequently experience patchy outdoor 5G coverage. Step indoors, and the situation worsens. From underground train stations to supermarkets, 5G signals are often weak or non-existent. Screenshots from January 2025 taken across European cities reveal large coverage gaps, especially in precisely the places people use their phones most such as transit hubs, shops, cafes and offices.
And even where 5G exists, it does not always work well. In Berlin, for instance, trying to activate a digital bus ticket may take over a minute due to high traffic at the stop caused by others streaming videos for example. In a world of time-sensitive digital services, that kind of performance is unacceptable.
Why 5G-SA Matters
True 5G is more than just faster speeds. It enables:
- Network slicing for secure, dedicated virtual networks (e.g., for emergency services)
- Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (uRLLC) for industrial automation or autonomous vehicles
- Edge computing for real-time applications
- Native QoS management
These are only possible with 5G-SA infrastructure, not the NSA half-step Europe currently leans on. Without this foundation, the promise of next-gen connectivity remains a hollow shell.
What Needs to Change?
Coleago’s report offers a clear set of policy and deployment recommendations to turn the vision of real 5G into a reality:
Prioritise Urban 5G-SA Deployment
Urban areas offer the greatest return on investment. Every Euro spent there impacts more people and more businesses. Rural obligations should be reconsidered in light of this.
Make Small Cell Deployment Easy and Affordable
The borough of Lewisham in London charges just £50/year per lamppost for small cell placement. More municipalities should follow suit. Shops, transport hubs and restaurants should be incentivised or required to host indoor neutral-host small cells free of charge.
Grant Operators Better Access Rights
Streamlining installation rights, as Hong Kong did in 2024, can reduce rollout friction and costs.
Use Accurate Coverage Metrics
Stop bundling NSA with SA in coverage statistics. Policymakers and the public deserve transparency about what level of service is truly available.
Unlock Key Spectrum Bands
The 6415–7125 MHz band should be made available at full power for 5G mobile, enabling cost-efficient deployment with improved indoor penetration and capacity.
Time to Wake Up
The European 5G experience today is a fairy tale, comforting but ultimately fictional. Without urgent reforms and investment in Standalone 5G, Europe risks falling behind in the global connectivity race, not just in speed, but in innovation, industrial competitiveness and digital inclusion.
It is time for policymakers and industry leaders to stop chasing coverage statistics and start building the infrastructure that truly delivers on the 5G promise.
Explore more insights and policy recommendations at: www.coleago.com/insights
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