Which Countries Use 5G, and Where Does Australia Stand?

5G is only just getting started, with countries across the world expanding their networks and testing their new 5G technologies. A recent report by network monitoring body VIAVI estimates that 5G networks are being developed in an estimated 378 cities across 34 countries, as of January 2020. Australia is very much on the map when it comes to 5G, but how do we compare? Here’s a quick look at our 5G progress and some updates from around the world.

5G: Where Does Australia Stand?

As of January 2020, Australia is in the Top 10 when it comes to 5G! In their report, VIAVI ranked Australia 8^th overall, with the 5G leader board ranking countries by the number of cities that offer the technology. This is no easy feat, putting Australia ahead of countries like Germany, South Africa and Sweden and slightly behind 5G hotspots of South Korea, China and the United States.

Australia does have a 5G edge, with the 2019 release of the Optus 5G Home broadband offering. Whilst most mobile carriers across the world have focused their efforts on the deployment of mobile 5G networks and products, Optus has joined a small handful of providers in the US and UK by offering users the ample bandwidth and quick 5G speeds both at home, with Optus 5G Home Broadband, and on the go with a 5G enabled mobile device .  Optus 5G customers can enjoy unlimited data usage when they sign up to Optus 5G Home, and double data on selected Optus Choice plans when connected to a 5G capable mobile device. Check the availability of 5G in your area here.

5G Around the World

What’s next for 5G deployment across the world? The next big 5G milestone will be the deployment of dual band 5G production networks. Dual band 5G networks have the potential to provide an increased network capacity and greater coverage by combining the benefits of two different 5G spectrum bands. This means that more devices will be able to connect to the network which will cover a larger area. Earlier this year, Optus announced that they have launched the world’s first 2300MHz and 3500MHz spectrum 5G dual-band production network. Kent Wu, Optus Head of Network Access Planning and Quality said, “Our 5G customers are already enjoying higher average speeds, quicker time to download content and a consistent high definition video experience. The implementation of a dual-band 5G network will enhance these elements to ensure experiences are more reliable, particularly during peak usage times”.

South Korea: Deployment and testing of the 5G network began as early as 2017 when Samsung and SK Telecom completed their first 5G trial, giving South Korea a head start with its 5G capabilities. It’s also thought that South Korea can claim to be the only country with nationwide 5G mobile coverage, which can be explained by the huge affinity Koreans have for the latest generation of 5G mobile devices.

China: According to VIAVI, China has the world’s second largest 5G network, with providers beginning the deployment in late 2019 with an aim to establish a 5G grid as quickly as possible. The GSMA (Global Association of Mobile Network Operators Worldwide) expects 36% of China’s mobile users to be using 5G devices by 2025. That’s about 600 million 5G users who would also make up 40% of the entire global 5G market.

United States & Europe: In the USA, early 5G deployment begun in late 2018 with rollouts continuing over 2019. In Europe, the UK and Germany are leading the 5G charge, with over 30 cities equipped with 5G in Britain and 10 in Germany according to VIAVI.  

Optus 5G rolling out in selected areas. Not available in NT or TAS