5G implementation in non-European Union countries of the Europe region

This report offers an in-depth dive in 18 non-European Union countries of the Europe region, and also provides the aggregate perspective across these countries. 5G implementation must be approached proactively and based on a solid understanding of the market, regulatory, and policy conditions at the country level.

The report fills a gap in the European context, complementing the work done for EU countries through the EU 5G Observatory focusing on certain strategic, market, technical and regulatory aspects specific to each of the countries considered. It pinpoints a few particular challenges to 5G implementation encountered across multiple countries and where ITU could be of active support: i) the need for a 5G strategy, ii) the need to free the 700 MHz band for mobile communications while protecting broadcasting services, iii) the need to proactively address electromagnetic field policy and communication, and iv) the need to create local 5G innovation ecosystems and synergies at the country level.