Proximus first operator to launch 5G+ in Belgium

Proximus announces the launch of 5G+, a major step forward in the evolution of its mobile network. Thanks to 5G+, customers benefit from a highly stable experience, superior call quality, seamless simultaneous use of voice and mobile data, and enhanced security. The transition to 5G+ also paves the way for network slicing, an important new feature that will enable Proximus to offer customers tailored connectivity on a commercial scale.

With the introduction of 5G+, Proximus is bringing a new generation of mobile connectivity to its customers. The 5G+ network is designed to better withstand traffic peaks, which is crucial for applications where continuity and performance are critical. Whether downloading large files, making video calls, gaming, streaming, or ensuring the reliability of electronic payments, 5G+ delivers a seamless experience, even in crowded locations such as events, airports or city centers.

In addition, 5G+ supports optimal simultaneous data transfer thanks to Voice over 5G (VoNR). This allows customers to make even higher-quality calls while continuing to use data-intensive applications. 5G+ also supports a greater number of devices connected at the same time and provides even stronger encryption of SIM and identity data, which are key assets for securing sensitive business data.

Moreover, 5G+ will drive the further development of end-to-end network slicing, enabling part of the network capacity to be reserved and optimized for specific use cases (such as emergency services, payment traffic, media applications, etc.).

All of this is possible because 5G+, or 5G SA (Standalone), leverages a fully independent cloud-native 5G core, a major technological evolution that unlocks the full potential of 5G technology.

Belgian first within a global evolution

With 5G+, Proximus becomes the first telecom player in Belgium to offer this latest-generation mobile network architecture on a commercial scale. In doing so, Proximus is joining an evolution that is already well underway internationally, but which remains limited in Europe for the time being. According to a recent international study, only 2.8% of all European 5G connections currently use a fully "standalone" 5G network, compared with 32% in North America and 80% in China, where the technology is already deployed much more widely.

With 5G+, Proximus once again positions itself at the forefront of this technological transition. Six years after becoming the first operator to launch 5G in Belgium, Proximus is now taking another important step in continuing to build the mobile network of the future.

Phased rollout for businesses and residential customers

The launch of 5G+ will be phased. As of today, business customers on the Mobile Connect and Together Mobile rate plans with a compatible 5G+ SIM card will be the first to access 5G+. Starting this summer, 5G+ will also become available to residential customers and small businesses, and the feature will be extended to eSIM.

A compatible device is required to use 5G+. Initially, the Google Pixel 9 and 10 will be supported. Proximus is currently in the process of certifying its 5G+ network with several other smartphone manufacturers.

Finally, customers must of course be in an area with 5G coverage. Proximus already reaches 92% of the population with 5G connectivity and continues to invest in achieving near-total nationwide coverage by the end of 2026.