Core Insights - Germany is struggling with its 5G deployment, facing issues such as limited speed improvements, high latency, and coverage gaps, which hinder its digital ambitions [1][3][4] Network Construction - Major telecom operators in Germany, including Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, O2, and 1&1, spent approximately €6.6 billion to acquire 5G frequency bands in 2019, aiming to reduce network latency to below 10 milliseconds [1] - Six years later, average latency remains high, with Deutsche Telekom at 23 milliseconds and Vodafone and O2 at around 29 milliseconds, far exceeding the 10 milliseconds target set by the 3GPP [1][2] Latency and Real-Time Applications - High latency is a significant barrier for industries relying on real-time communication, such as autonomous driving, which requires low-latency networks for effective operation [2] - Scenarios like truck platooning and remote parking are highly sensitive to latency, making them difficult to implement under current network conditions [2] Coverage Issues - Approximately 2.1% of Germany's territory lacks any 4G or 5G signal, with an additional 14% classified as "gray areas" with partial coverage, primarily in rural and mountainous regions [3] - Coverage problems persist even in major cities like Berlin and Munich, indicating a widespread issue [3] Investment and Regulatory Challenges - The lack of investment and commitment is identified as a core issue, as reducing latency below 10 milliseconds requires significant infrastructure upgrades and increased base station density [3] - The slow approval process for new mobile base stations in Germany is a major obstacle, with complaints from telecom executives about the lengthy procedures compared to other countries [3][4] Conclusion - The consensus among analysts is that Germany's 5G challenges stem not from a lack of technology but from insufficient investment and a need for a more proactive approach to network development [4]
新闻分析|德国5G之路为何难走