From 5G to the start of the school year in Belgium, but not in Brussels: here’s why
It’s been official for a few weeks: 5 operators are in the running to offer 5G in Belgium. Make way for the last part of this operation with the auction of the 1,400 MHz band before a large-scale deployment from September. Except in Brussels. The strictest standards will be applied there… when the texts are ready. When ? Let’s say 2023.
We know, since June 21, that Proximus, Telenet (BASE), Orange, NRB and CityMesh/DIGI have won the precious licenses allowing them to exploit 5G in Belgium in 700 MHz and in 3600 MHz. The first round of this auction grossed 1.2 billion euros to the Belgian state and regions. These days, it’s not that bad.
There was one last bundle of frequencies left in the 1400 MHz band. The new auctions are now brought by BIPT, confirm the Echo this Tuesday. At stake: 100 million euros to be divided between the regions and the federal state. The 1,400 MHz band is primarily of interest to the three main current operators, namely Orange, Telenet and Proximus. Why ? This band has the particularity of being mainly used downhill (download), in addition to other bands where the uplink (upload) is possible.
5G for the start of the school year, but not in Brussels
Still according to Echo, our country may have taken a considerable delay (2 years on the initial schedule), things are progressing quickly and well. It seems that the operators are preparing to access 5G in Belgium from September. This will be possible in Flanders (the only region where the standards were very early transferred!), but also in Wallonia.
For the Brussels-Capital Region, on the other hand, operators will have to be patient. The Brussels government has indeed validated, last Thursdaya very limited increase in the emission standard: 14.5V/m outdoors and 9.19V/m indoors. The strictest standard in the country, – and among the strictest in the world -, precisely where the demand for mobile data will be the highest given the concentration of population. By way of comparison, in the Walloon Region, the limits are 9.2 V/m and 18.4 V/m, aligned with Flanders.
Why such radical standards? For the Minister of the Environment Alain Maron (Ecolo), Brussels intends to equip itself with a ” 5G network that is harmonious, respectful of the health of inhabitants and the environment, for the benefit of all“. The adjective was missing inclusive in this statement, but the Cabinet will be free to add it in future press releases and dispatches.
Because the journey is far from over! The next steps? A public inquiry in August and September, then a visit to the Council of State, before a vote in the Brussels parliament. Skyline? 2023.
UN discuss which is added to that of the harmonization of the taxation of antennas : Agory has just sent a letter to Minister Clerfayt to put pressure on the authorities. Taxation, planning permits and relaxation of emission standards… files that should have already been completed… at the end of 2021.
Does this remind you of anything? But damn it, yes of course! ” Administrationnnnn, please stay on the phone! »