As we have noted before, despite delays to rollout or spectrum auctions in some countries due to measures to control the coronavirus, other countries are going ahead with 5G plans, virus or no virus.
For example, in the Philippines mobile operator Globe Telecom says it is moving ahead with its 5G network rollout, focusing on key areas in the capital. 5G should be available to a wide range of mobile customers who are within 5G coverage areas in the coming weeks and may be accompanied, eventually, by affordable 5G-ready smartphones. This is all happening despite the ongoing lockdown known as the General Community Quarantine measures.
Elsewhere, MTS Belarus has demonstrated its 5G standalone architecture (SA) network in test mode in the Minsk-Arena complex, using equipment supplied by Huawei. This took place soon after another local operator, A1 Belarus, confirmed its own test mode launch in the capital. The 5G SA network operates in two bands, 1800MHz and 3500MHz, useful for MTS, which says it can use its existing radio frequencies.
Slightly further behind is Lithuania, which has approved a draft plan for the development of 5G mobile communications services across the country, according to local reports. Guidelines are said to be provisional at the moment, but, following a spectrum auction, rollout should begin next year. A 5G network should be launched in at least one of Lithuania’s five largest cities by 2022 and should be available in all five by 2023.
5G services should cover all urban areas and main transport routes and hubs by 2025. Much of this depends, however, on the resolution of spectrum interference issues in border areas. Talks with Russia about this are ongoing.
