A recent executive order and parliamentary approval earlier this year have changed the landscape in Brussels, allowing for the installation of 5G antennas in the city. Orange, Proximus, and Telenet, the major local operators, confirmed that they will submit permit applications to the regional environment authority to initiate 5G technology once approval is granted. The process involves upgrading existing 4G antennas to 5G.
According to reports, Brussels could achieve full 5G coverage within a year, significantly enhancing its mobile network capabilities. The move comes after Belgium's 5G spectrum auction last year raised €1.2 billion ($1.34 billion) from five bidders, securing frequency licenses for a 20-year period.
The imminent introduction of 5G is expected to alleviate network congestion and boost capacity during peak times, benefiting densely populated areas in the region. Orange Belgium has already installed 3.5GHz antennas at various sites in Brussels and expects to obtain the necessary permits before September. Telenet anticipates a rapid adaptation of its sites for 5G, while Proximus aims to gradually extend 5G coverage throughout 2023 and 2024.
