5G Strategy for Germany

Strategies and Action Plans

Germany’s 5G strategy is designed to position the country as a global leader in the deployment of 5G networks and the development of related applications. The rapid pace of digital transformation means that information and communication technologies (ICT) will soon permeate every aspect of the economy and society. Key objectives include improving connectivity, expanding the availability of 5G to both urban and rural areas, and supporting innovation through targeted research and cooperation between industries and telecommunications sectors.

The strategy is built on five key action areas:

Urban and regional 5G deployment: Promoting the early adoption of 5G in towns and cities by supporting municipalities in planning and implementing tailored 5G solutions for public services like smart traffic management and waste disposal.

Network rollout: Accelerating the deployment of 5G networks by expanding infrastructure, particularly fibre optic networks, to support mobile base stations, especially in densely populated areas like cities and event spaces.

Frequency availability: Ensuring adequate radio frequencies for 5G through global and European harmonisation efforts, and making specific frequency bands available for 5G use.

Collaboration between industries: Encouraging cooperation between telecommunications providers and industries (like automotive, manufacturing, and health care) to develop industry-specific 5G applications. This includes ongoing dialogues and forums to explore potential use cases.

Targeted research: Supporting research initiatives and test beds to develop and trial 5G technologies and applications. This includes funding research in specific areas like Industry 4.0, smart grids, and autonomous driving.