Telecom provider Proximus has launched its "5G light" network in 30 municipalities in Belgium today, but where can you get it?
The rollout of this "light" 5G network, which is the first in Belgium, followed several extended discussions, as it was slowed down by political disagreements on the distribution of the proceeds. Eventually, an arrangement granting provisional rights was proposed pending a political agreement.
The 30 municipalities with 5G coverage are located across the country, in all provinces. However, the network will not cover Brussels, as it exceeds the Region's radiation standards, which are "almost 50 times stricter” than what EU and WHO guidelines call for, according to Brussels MP Bianca Debaets.
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The municipalities with 5G coverage include Ostend, Kortrijk, Bruges, Leuven, Zaventem (where Brussels Airport is located), Hasselt, Namur and Mons. A map with an overview of all municipalities can be found here. However, the coverage the map shows "is based on a theoretical calculation and shows only outdoor coverage, not indoor coverage," according to Proximus.
Credit: Proximus
To gain access to Proximus' network, a 5G compatible smartphone, which can handle the higher speeds, is required as "the frequency for 5G is different than 4G or 3G." Apart from that, you also need a special Proximus subscription.
“5G provides an infrastructure that can cope with the exponential growth of data consumption and can support a multitude of devices to operate at the same time. With a high level of quality, of course,” said Proximus on its website. The provider promises “high-resolution, razor-sharp videos without any sign of delays.”
Maïthé Chini
The Brussels Times
