Access to 5G technology is already a reality for 82.36% of the Spanish population after a 23% increase in coverage by the different operators throughout the year 2022 and after practically doubling their presence in rural areas up to 50.42% of the population, according to the broadband coverage report published this Thursday by the Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures.
The maximum speed offered by the priority bands of this technology (New Radio, as it is known in the sector) also gained ground in Spain. At the end of 2022, 58.12% of the population was already enjoying it, which represents an increase of 25 points compared to the data from the previous year. For its part, the DSS, that is, 5G coverage combined with 4G elements, reaches 82.36% of the population, while 4G continues to cover practically the entire territory (99.89%).
Regarding access to telecommunications through fixed networks, ultra-fast broadband, which offers a connection of more than 100 Megabytes, the report notes that by the end of 2022 it was available in 90% of Spanish territory. “Which implies that it reaches 9 out of 10 homes”, as explained by sources from the Secretary of State for Telecommunications.
In 2022, the closing of the communication access gap between rural and urban areas accelerated by 18%. In total, 79.91% of rural areas already have access to ultra-fast broadband services of more than 100 Mbps. The furthest behind are small towns of less than 500 inhabitants where quality telecommunications are even more difficult and only 50% have access to this ultra-fast band.
After the award of aid to extend broadband, it is expected that the gap between rural areas and the general population will continue to narrow until by the end of 2024 there will be coverage of 89.5% of rural areas and 95, 75% overall. This will mean a reduction in the digital divide of more than 17 points in two and a half years.
Looking ahead to 2023, the Government hopes to accelerate the deployment of 5G in rural areas, first through satellite connections and later with aid programs to promote the deployment of broadband.
