OMDIA's research assessed the progress of 5G deployment based on operator launches, network coverage, subscriber uptake, as well as 5G spectrum availability and the regulatory ecosystem.
Based on these factors, OMDIA's research concluded that South Korea, as it did in the 4G era, has established itself as the market leader for 5G technology deployment, with Kuwait and Switzerland following behind. According to the report, South Korea is leading the way with 4.67 million subscribers by the end of December, representing approximately seven percent of the wireless market.

“Limited coverage, device availability, and cautious rollouts have limited adoption in other global markets,” says Stephen Myers, principal analyst at OMDIA.
Regarding Switzerland, Europe’s largest 5G market, OMDIA noted that Sunrise and Swisscom were driving progress.
“In December, Sunrise had over 80% population coverage of 5G in 384 towns and cities, and this had grown to 426 locations by January 2020,” Myers added. “Swisscom, meanwhile, achieved its 90% coverage target with a ‘basic 5G’ version, although devices compatible with this network would only be available in Q1 2020.”
In the UK, the second largest market, OMDIA noted that the UK government increasingly viewed 5G as a means to deliver nationwide Gigabit coverage.
“The UK Government has identified 5G as a key technology to help it achieve its goal of delivering nationwide Gigabit broadband by 2025,” Myers said. “The UK Government’s £1.1 billion digital connectivity package, including the £400 million Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund, will support investment in new fixed and mobile networks through programs such as the 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme.”
The report is based on data related to the period ending in late December and was originally due for publication in mid-March but was delayed due to the impact of COVID-19.
Commenting further on the report, OMDIA principal analyst Stephen Myers said: “Europe is steadily preparing for 5G deployment, but at the moment Switzerland and the UK are at the forefront, although markets such as Finland have also made steady progress.
Across Europe, we are seeing governments and regulators fine-tuning their 5G spectrum allocations and operators getting ready for their 5G launches and expanding network coverage in those countries where 5G has already launched.
We can expect to see a much larger number of commercial 5G launches in major European markets over the next 12-18 months as more spectrum is freed up across the continent.”