Rapid network expansion: More and more German cities are connecting to the network with 5G antennas. (Photo: Deutsche Telekom)

Deutsche Telekom continues to expand its 5G network and Vodafone has also started the second 5G expansion stage in Germany. The number of 5G antennas is to be doubled by March 2020.

In August of this year, Vodafone launched the first 5G network in Germany, and 140 5G antennas are already transmitting in 40 cities within the Düsseldorf-based mobile communications group’s network. As the company has now announced, the first expansion stage has now been completed – expansion stage 2 is now starting: around 150 additional 5G antennas are to be installed at the beginning of next year, primarily in Berlin, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf. This will make 5G available for the first time in larger contiguous areas.

In addition to the three metropolises, the first 5G stations are also planned in smaller communities in so-called model regions. In the Aachen region, in Lusatia and in Amberg-Weiden in Bavaria, for example, the first stations will be connected to the grid in order to test and further develop the use of 5G applications.

5G network expansion making progress

Deutsche Telekom is also continuing to expand its 5G network and currently uses 5G in Hamburg, Darmstadt, Cologne, Munich, Bonn and Berlin. By the turn of the year, 450 5G antennas will be in operation there and in other cities. By the end of 2020, the Group plans to have a total of 1,500 antennas connected to the network.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

At the end of 2020, Deutsche Telekom wants to have 1,500 5G antennas on the network.

Despite the currently discussed security concerns, both companies are relying on antenna technology from Huawei for their expansion. According to Vodafone boss Hannes Ametsreiter, the current government regulations are being adhered to. However, the group cannot wait for the discussion about the use of Huawei in 5G mobile radio networks, said Ametsreiter in a conversation with the German newspaper Welt.