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March 28
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Europe is lagging behind North America and Asia in 5G deployment, and the EU needs to strengthen its strategy to counter the associated national security risks. This is stated in a study by the European Audit Chamber (ECA).

There are significant delays in the rollout of 5G networks in member states, and further efforts are needed to address security concerns in 5G rollout, the 69-page ECA assessment says.

In the US, the launch of 5G telecommunications services has prompted airlines to complain about possible interference with aircraft navigational instruments and disruptions to air travel.

The world is rushing to install 5G infrastructure due to its higher data capacity and transmission speeds, which promise to transform everything from driving and animal husbandry to sports broadcasting and goods production.

In this high economic stakes race, EU countries are moving too slowly due to the inability to do things like dedicating radio spectrum for 5G services, according to the ECA.

It is noted that most EU member states will fall short of the overall deployment goal set for 2025, when they must provide uninterrupted 5G coverage in urban areas and on major transport routes.

By mid-decade, only 35% of all mobile connections in Europe will be based on 5G, compared to 51% in North America and 53% in Australia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. The forecast figure for 2025 for China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan is 48%.

As a result, most EU countries may also fall short of the more ambitious shared goal by 2030: making 5G services available to all segments of the population.

There is a high risk that the 2025 deadline — and therefore the 2030 all-location deadline — will be missed by most member states, the ECA said.

The economic benefits foregone for the EU could be large. 5G is expected to drive exponential growth in data consumption in the block, where services account for about 70% of gross domestic product.

Citing a separate technology industry study, the ECA indicated that 5G could add up to €1 trillion to the European economy and create or transform 2 million jobs between 2021 and 2025.

But such economic benefits come at a much higher cost for 5G, which could cost nearly €400 billion to deploy in the EU by 2025. These funds should come primarily from mobile operators.

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