Proximus’s 5G network is evolving into ‘5G+’, supporting more data-intensive applications and network slicing. Business customers are the first in line.
Proximus announces in a press release that it is the first Belgian operator to launch ‘5G+’. Proximus uses this term for what is also commonly referred to in the telecom industry as 5G Standalone. The 5G+ network is being activated in stages for mobile customers starting today, with business subscriptions being the first to benefit.
With ‘5G+’ or 5G Standalone, we can finally speak of ‘full-fledged 5G’. The first 5G networks in Belgium—Proximus began the rollout six years ago—were 4G networks at their core. 5G+ utilizes a completely independent cloud-native 5G core and therefore consists of 5G infrastructure from head to toe. This allows the potential of 5G to be fully exploited.
Full-fledged 5G
This core upgrade is designed to make 5G networks faster and more stable, enabling them to better support data-intensive applications. Those who make frequent (video) calls will particularly benefit. The network will be better equipped to handle peak loads, while Voice over 5G functionality supports optimized data transfer during calls.
Network capacity is not only being increased but can also be distributed more efficiently. This is achieved through a technique called ‘slicing’, where a portion of the network is reserved for specific applications. For example, during peak times, a section of the network can be reserved for emergency services.
Europe is lagging behind
Proximus is claiming the scoop for the 5G+ rollout in Belgium. Geert Standaert, Network Lead at the telecom operator, calls it ‘a fundamental evolution’ for the mobile network. Last summer, the telecom regulator BIPT also highlighted the need for 5G SA networks in Belgium. Because 5G networks in Belgium have so far only been disguised 4G networks, the potential of 5G technology has not yet been fully realized.
However, this is part of a broader trend in Europe, where geopolitical issues in various countries have hindered the 5G rollout. Proximus refers to a global study by Ookla, known for its network speed test. Today, less than three percent of 5G connections in Europe actually use a 5G SA network. Adoption is significantly lower than in China (80%) and North America (32%), and as a result, industrial 5G applications are also lagging.
Proximus’s competitors will likely dispute this first. Orange claims to have been working on deploying 5G SA networks in Belgium since 2022. Last year, during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, it showcased practical examples at the Port of Antwerp, Defense, and the NMBS. Telenet is more cautious with statements regarding 5G+/SA, although the provider can boast the highest coverage rate for its 5G network.
A first for Google
Proximus’s 5G+ offering will roll out in stages. Starting today, it is the turn of business customers, specifically the Mobile Connect and Together Mobile rate plans. A compatible SIM card and 5G coverage in your region are required. The list of compatible devices is limited at launch: initially, it only includes the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 smartphones, with the exception of the Pixel 9a.
Proximus indicates that it is currently undergoing the certification process for its 5G+ network with several other smartphone manufacturers. Starting this summer, 5G+ will also become available to individuals and small businesses, and the functionality will be extended to eSIM.