Europe Takes the Lead in 5G Deployment
According to a recent study by CIU, Europe boasts the highest number of 5G networks available, with a total of 122 networks by mid-2025. This highlights Europe’s commitment to technological innovation and its focus on advanced telecommunications infrastructure.
Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom stand out for their rapid deployment and favorable regulatory frameworks promoting next-generation connectivity in their territories.
Asia Follows Closely with 76 Networks
In second place, by the number of networks deployed, is Asia with a total of 76. It comes as no surprise that China, South Korea, and Japan lead this effort, being pioneers in the transition to 5G.
China’s Dominant Role in 5G Deployment
According to the same study, China has deployed a significant number of networks, driven by its position as the global leader in telecommunications equipment manufacturing and its substantial investment in infrastructure.
Africa Surpasses Latin America with 56 Networks
Interestingly, despite being the poorest region, Africa surpassed Latin America with 56 5G networks, placing third in terms of network numbers. The study attributes this to three factors that Latin America has struggled to replicate: geographical fragmentation, flexible regulations releasing temporary spectrum (e.g., South Africa authorized borrowed bands during the pandemic), and strong push from vendors financing equipment and accelerating deployment, while several countries use 5G for wireless broadband provision and bridging the connectivity gap.
Latin America Lags Behind with 50 Networks
Latin America ranks fourth, with a total of 50 5G networks. Many Latin American markets remain tethered to expensive and delayed spectrum auctions, delaying commercial turn-on despite existing demand. For instance, Mexico postponed and canceled auctions due to high annual tariffs, discouraging competitive operators.
Middle East, North America, and Oceania’s 5G Status
The Middle East has a total of 26 networks, North America (18), and Oceania (18). This position stems from geographical and structural factors unique to each region.
5G Progress and Contrasts in Latin America
Latin America continues to face barriers limiting its progress compared to other world regions. In this region, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia lead in 5G technology application. Surprisingly, Panama and Costa Rica have efficiently implemented the 5G network.
In Mexico, the lack of a bidding process has delayed access to optimal spectrum and postponed strategic decisions by operators. The 3.5 GHz band (which typically serves as the backbone of 5G worldwide) remains occupied by inherited concessions and incomplete reorganizations, while mid-bands like 2.5 GHz and 3.45 GHz are only partially utilized.
Moreover, Mexico’s formal 5G bidding process has faced a lack of operator interest due to high spectrum costs and unfavorable regulatory obligations. The Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) had to cancel a planned 2024 auction following a cancellation request from the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency (ATDT), citing insufficient resources to continue the process as defined by the IFT and extended activities until the first quarter of 2026, when the institute itself would be dissolved.
Key Questions and Answers
- What regions lead in 5G network deployment? Europe leads with 122 networks, followed by Asia with 76.
- Which countries are pioneers in the 5G transition? China, South Korea, and Japan are leading Asia’s 5G deployment.
- Why has Africa surpassed Latin America in 5G networks? Despite being the poorest region, Africa has 56 5G networks due to flexible regulations, timely spectrum allocation, and strong vendor support.
- Why is Latin America lagging in 5G adoption? Expensive and delayed spectrum auctions, high costs of spectrum, and unfavorable regulatory obligations have hindered Latin America’s progress.
- What challenges does Mexico face in its 5G rollout? Mexico struggles with spectrum access delays, incomplete reorganizations, and operator disinterest due to high costs and regulatory burdens.
