Deutsche Telekom launches Germany’s first 5G network
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Deutsche Telekom, Germany’s largest telecom company has launched the country’s first 5G network, but for now it only works in two cities – Bonn and Berlin – and only with a €900 smartphone.
By the end of 2020, 5G coverage is due in 20 German cities.
Deutsche Telekom also began selling the first 5G-compatible Samsung Galaxy S10 phones in Germany for around €900 , along with unlimited data packets starting at €85 monthly.
Deutsche Telekom said that the construction of 5G network infrastructure would continue in Berlin and Bonn, followed by Hamburg, Munich, Darmstadt and Leipzig. By the end of 2020, the company said 5G networks should be operational in Germany’s 20 largest cities.
The announcement comes three weeks after Deutsche Telekom emerged as the highest bidder in a 5G network spectrum block auction by Germany’s Federal Network Agency (BNetzA).
BNetzA will require operators to provide high-speed coverage to 98% of households by 2022. Deutsche Telekom said around 300 5G antenna in more than 100 locations were due to be operational by the end of the year. Deutsche Telekom said that it planned to expand and improve its 4G (LTE) network, especially in rural areas, along with building 5G infrastructure.
As 5G spectrum waves cannot travel great distances or pass through objects, booster antennas will have to be positioned an average of every 150 meters (500 feet). In addition to retrofitting existing cell phone towers, booster antennas on street signs and post boxes could be necessary to ensure a stable 5G connection.
