Brussels’ 5G connectivity faces challenges

Brussels’ 5G connectivity faces challenges is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• Proximus and Orange lead in 5G performance in Brussels.
• Overall 5G availability in the city remains low compared to other European capitals.

What happened: Brussels’ 5G rollout faces delays due to regulatory challenges.

Brussels is experiencing significant challenges in achieving high-quality 5G connectivity. A recent report by MedUX, based on 10,000 tests and 300,000 radio samples from the fourth quarter of 2024, evaluated the performance of major operators in the Belgian capital. Proximus and Orange emerged as the top-performing operators, with Quality of Experience (QoE) scores of 4.168 and 4.166 out of 5, respectively. Proximus excelled in 4K video streaming and gaming latency, while Orange led in download speeds, averaging 236 Mbps. Telenet, despite lower 5G availability, stood out for its network reliability.

However, the city’s overall 5G availability remains low compared to other European hubs. 5G registration rates were just 36%, and speed performance in Brussels ranks among the worst in Europe, with median speeds five times lower than leading cities like Porto, Lisbon, Stockholm, and Copenhagen.

The report attributes these challenges to regulatory issues, including Belgium’s delayed 5G auction, which has put the country at a competitive disadvantage, and strict radiation limits that make it harder to deploy high-performance 5G infrastructure. Rafael González, SVP for EMEA at MedUX, noted that the EU’s Gigabit Society has set a target for operators to achieve uninterrupted 5G coverage across all urban areas and major transport pathways by 2025. This analysis shows how far the EU’s capital is from achieving the Digital Decade 5G targets.

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Why it’s important

Recent findings reveal significant challenges in Brussels’ 5G connectivity. These issues could impact sectors like telecommunications, technology, and urban development. The city’s lag in 5G deployment may hinder smart city initiatives and delay new technologies. This could impede economic growth. Addressing these problems is crucial for improving Brussels’ digital infrastructure. It is essential to align with the European Union’s connectivity targets. The EU’s 5G Action Plan aims to make 5G a reality for all citizens and businesses across the EU. However, regulatory challenges, such as Belgium’s delayed 5G auction and strict radiation limits, have hampered connectivity efforts in Brussels. These issues put the city at a competitive disadvantage. Overcoming these obstacles is essential to meet the EU’s 2025 5G coverage targets. It will also support the city’s future technological and economic development.