Europe is entering a new digital era where fast, reliable connectivity is no longer a luxury — it’s the foundation of economic growth, innovation, and inclusion. Yet when it comes to 5G, not all “coverage” is created equal.
To make the right policy and investment decisions, national regulators need more than just statistics — they need precise maps that show how and where 5G networks truly perform.
From 5G coverage to 5G quality
Until recently, the EU measured 5G progress mainly through a single indicator: population coverage.
But this approach says nothing about how well that connection actually works. Two cities may both appear as “100% covered”, yet one might enjoy seamless video streaming, while the other struggles with dropped calls and slow uploads.
Recognizing this gap, the European Commission has started developing a new methodology for mapping the quality of 5G service (QoS).
This initiative — part of the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 — aims to give regulators, operators, and policymakers a harmonized tool to measure and compare the real performance of mobile and fixed wireless 5G networks.
European approach to 5G quality mapping
The proposed methodology is not about collecting random field tests.
Instead, it uses modelling and standardized data to estimate how well 5G performs across every 20×20 meter grid of territory — from dense urban areas to rural villages.
This model will help answer key questions such as:
- Where are the real gaps in service quality, not just in signal presence?
- How do different frequency bands (low, mid, and high) perform in various environments?
- Which areas should be prioritized for funding or state aid to reach EU targets?
By applying the same rules across all Member States, the methodology will finally allow comparable 5G quality maps — something Europe has been missing for years.
Why accurate maps matter
For national regulators, high-quality mapping is more than a technical exercise.
It is the basis for smart policy and efficient investment.
Reliable maps allow authorities to:
- Target public funding where it’s truly needed;
- Avoid overlaps and duplication in network deployment;
- Evaluate operator claims more transparently;
- Monitor progress toward the Digital Decade’s goal — “5G in all populated areas by 2030.”
Without precise mapping, decisions rely on outdated assumptions and inconsistent reports. With it, Europe can focus its efforts on regions where citizens and businesses still lack high-quality 5G access.
The bigger picture
The new 5G QoS mapping framework is expected to become a reference tool not only for regulators, but also for telecom operators, infrastructure planners, and technology providers.
It brings together expertise from the European Commission, BEREC, GSMA, and several National Regulatory Authorities that tested early versions of the model.
Ultimately, the idea is simple: you can’t improve what you can’t see.
Reliable, detailed maps make the invisible visible — helping Europe build the digital backbone of its future.
Building Europe’s digital future starts with seeing the world precisely as it is.
That’s where detailed, high-quality maps make all the difference.
With its long-standing expertise in creating detailed 3D and population datasets for telecom planning, VISICOM contributes to the same mission — helping governments and operators make data-driven decisions for smarter 5G deployment.
