Supporting the development of 5G networks in Slovakia for 2020-2025

Supporting the development of 5G networks in Slovakia for 2020-2025 is the strategic plan for developing 5G networks in Slovakia from 2020 to 2025. The plan aims to contribute to the digital transformation of Slovakia by building modern, functional, and secure electronic communications infrastructure.

Vision and Goals

• Vision: Slovakia aims to develop a cutting-edge 5G information and communication infrastructure in line with the EU’s Digital Single Market strategy. This infrastructure will support the country’s societal and economic development.
• Goals: The plan emphasizes coordinated efforts among government bodies, public and private sectors, network operators, and research institutions. Key goals include effective use of the 3.6 GHz frequency band, market-driven release of the 26 GHz band, legislative updates, and achieving 5G coverage across major transport corridors and urban areas by 2025.

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: Growing public interest in digital services, competitive electronic communications market, increasing broadband coverage, and a growing economy.
• Weaknesses: Insufficient investment in local networks, inefficiencies in network sharing, inconsistent infrastructure development, and limited digitalization of the economy and public administration.
• Opportunities: Development of a gigabit society, availability of funds for high-speed network construction, and new legislative frameworks.
• Threats: High costs and complexity of network construction, cybersecurity risks, and uneven local government requirements.

Technology and Applications

• 5G Technology: The plan discusses the evolution of wireless networks, highlighting the capabilities of 5G, including enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communication, and ultra-reliable low-latency communication.
• Applications: 5G is expected to impact various sectors, such as Industry 4.0, smart agriculture, healthcare, intelligent mobility, and multimedia applications.

Frequency Spectrum

• The plan details the use of frequency bands for 5G, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing and coordinating spectrum allocation. The 700 MHz, 3.6 GHz, and 26 GHz bands are identified as crucial for 5G deployment in Europe, with specific actions outlined to ensure their effective use in Slovakia.

Infrastructure

• The document underscores the need for robust, secure, and high-speed communications infrastructure to support 5G networks. This includes prioritizing optical networks for backbone and distribution purposes and ensuring geographic coverage across Slovakia, especially in less populated areas.

European Policy and Legislation

• The plan aligns with EU policies, including the European Gigabit Society and the European Electronic Communications Code, which set strategic goals for digital communications by 2025. Slovakia is expected to adopt and implement these policies effectively to support 5G development.

Cybersecurity

• Recognizing the critical role of 5G in various sectors, the plan includes measures to ensure high levels of cybersecurity, aligned with EU-wide risk assessments and recommendations.

This comprehensive plan outlines Slovakia’s approach to embracing 5G technology, ensuring that it contributes to the broader goals of digital transformation, economic growth, and societal benefits.