5G network coverage outlook
5G coverage is growing, but varies between regions
Key findings
5G mid-band coverage in Europe has increased from around 30 percent at the end of 2023 and is expected to reach 45 percent by the end of 2024.
Despite global progress in mid-band, further coverage enhancements are needed to deliver the full 5G experience.
5G population coverage outside of mainland China is predicted to reach around 85 percent at the end of 2030.
There are currently 831 4G networks deployed worldwide, with 346 upgraded to LTE-Advanced and 161 Gigabit enabled.[1] 4G population coverage, outside of mainland China, is set to surpass 85 percent globally at the end of 2024 and is projected to reach over 95 percent in 2030.
The build-out of 5G continues, with around 320 networks launched worldwide. Global 5G population coverage is expected to reach 55 percent at the end of 2024. Outside mainland China it is projected to increase from 45 percent in 2024 to about 85 percent in 2030.
5G mid-band combines high capacity with good coverage and is available in most markets, making it an ideal choice for delivering the full 5G experience. Combined with a low-band frequency division duplex (FDD) 5G carrier, it can provide full coverage and mobility.
Globally, 5G population coverage outside of mainland China is set to reach around 85 percent at the end of 2030.
Large regional variations in 5G coverage
By the end of 2024, 5G mid-band population coverage outside of mainland China is expected to reach 40 percent, but coverage varies between regions. The Middle East and Africa as well as Latin America are the two regions with the lowest total and mid-band coverage, and are expected to reach around 10 and 15 percent coverage respectively by the end of 2024. The Asia-Pacific region, outside of China and India, is expected to reach 30 percent total and mid-band coverage by the end of 2024. Europe is predicted to reach total 5G population coverage of 80 percent by the end of 2024. During 2024, mid-band coverage in Europe significantly increased from around 30 percent at the end of 2023 and is predicted to reach 45 percent by the end of the year. Despite this, Europe has yet to make further coverage deployments in mid-band to reach similar coverage to North America and India.
India has made large-scale mid-band deployments and is expected to reach around 95 percent population coverage by the end of 2024. Meanwhile, North American service providers have deployed 5G across low-, mid- and high-band frequencies, and total and mid-band coverage are both now expected to reach around 90 percent.
Despite these coverage advancements, only around 30 percent of sites globally outside of mainland China have been upgraded to 5G mid-band.
