5GMED has been featured in The European 5G Annual Journal 2023 as a part of the 5G PPP ICT-53-2020 call: 5G PPP 5G for Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM). This edition marks the final edition of the series, highlighting significant accomplishments and outcomes of ongoing or recently concluded Phase 3 projects.

The European 5G Annual Journal 2023 has recently been published, providing a comprehensive overview of the achievements, advancements, and future prospects of the 5G PPP Programme. The journal not only celebrates the successful completion of various projects but also looks ahead to the next generation of mobile networks, including the ongoing research and innovation initiatives for 6G. 
 
Peter Stuckmann, Interim Executive Director of the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking, and Head of Unit, Future Connectivity Systems at the European Commission, emphasizes the impact of the 5G PPP program: “The outcome is impressive!”. With €713 million invested in research and innovation, the program has funded 93 projects, involved 1,845 participants, and produced over 2,500 scientific publications. It has also made substantial contributions to 5G standards, with over 800 contributions globally.

Contributions of the 5GMED Project

The European 5G Annual Journal 2023 highlights the significant achievements of the 5GMED Project, which is part of the 5G PPP ICT-53-2020 call: 5G PPP 5G for Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM).  The 5GMED aims to establish a sustainable 5G deployment model for future mobility in the Mediterranean Cross-Border Corridor. 
 
One of the key objectives of the 5GMED Project is to design a common 5G infrastructure architecture for roads and railways. This architecture will incorporate sustainable business models, ensuring investment viability and scalability potential. It will be specifically tailored to meet the functional requirements of both CCAM and FRMCS, facilitating cross-border, shared, and secured services with functional continuity.

An European state of 5G technology  

 
The European 5G Annual Journal 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of 5G technology. Here are some key insights from the report: 

Commercial 5G Maturity  
Commercial 5G launches began in 2018 and have rapidly expanded since then. Europe has achieved coverage in all 27 Member States, marking a significant milestone. The telecom industry continues to invest heavily in expanding coverage and introducing new features to meet the growing demand for seamless and reliable 5G connections.  

Rise of Private 5G  
Private 5G networks are gaining traction across various sectors, from manufacturing to mining. These networks offer cutting-edge connectivity and enable automation, autonomy, and assistance in diverse verticals. Large enterprises have been early adopters, utilizing private networks to address specific wireless connectivity needs.  
 
Spectrum Assignments 
The allocation of spectrum for 5G has reached a turning point. Advanced markets have been assigning spectrum since 2015, and Europe has harmonized pioneer bands since 2019. The use of a mix of low-band, mid-band, and high-band frequencies optimizes 5G service delivery, ensuring both coverage and capacity.  
 
Improved Coverage 
Over the years, significant progress has been made in improving population coverage. Outdoor coverage in many countries has reached levels of 80% to virtually 100%. However, enhancing indoor coverage remains a challenge due to the difficulty of higher frequencies in penetrating buildings. Further deployment of indoor cells is necessary to address this issue.  
 
6G on the Horizon 
While 5G continues to evolve, the development of 6G is already underway. Europe, along with other regions, is investing in research and development for the sixth generation of mobile networks. Commercial 6G deployments are expected around 2030-2035, offering ultra-high frequencies, increased energy efficiency, lower latency, and significantly more device connectivity.