In May 2019, Telenor was the first Hungarian operator to complete a public 5G network test interconnecting several 5G radio components to make a video call between two 5G-enabled mobile phones. Successful testing was followed by a frequency auction held by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) in March 2020 where Telenor obtained the spectrum necessary for the launch of 5G service at a price of HUF 35.6 bn both in the 700 MHz band providing a broader coverage and in the 3,600 MHz band offering a higher capacity. The 140 MHz spectrum obtained in the latter band gives Telenor Hungary the largest contiguous spectrum which enables us to make the most of 5G technology in the long run. To facilitate development and network modernization, Telenor spent a net amount of HUF 92.454 bn on acquiring spectrum.
5G service was first made available to commercial customers by Telenor in some parts of Győr and Törökbálint in 2021. Then network development was accelerated to cover several points of District 11 and some busy spots of Budapest. At the same time, network modernization started also around the Lake Balaton including Balatonföldvár, Balatonfüred, Siófok, Révfülöp, Keszthely, Zamárdi, Szántód, Almádi, Fűzfő, Boglár, Lelle, Fonyód, Székesfehérvár and Tatabánya. Today, Telenor serves customer needs at more than 200 5G base stations, mostly using the 3,600 MHz spectrum making the most of 5G capabilities. The new technology is getting popular with customers as demonstrated by increasing monthly 5G data usage exceeding 35,000 GB in October 2021. This amount of data would be sufficient for high-quality music streaming for 34 years or 720p HD film streaming for 4.5 years.
Telenor has made 5G service available to customers with any tariff plan. No specific subscription is required. If the customer is located in a 5G coverage area using a 5G-enabled phone and having an active data allowance in their tariff plan, they will use the 5G service. Telenor wants to support increasing data usage and customer’s rising mobile internet needs without any technology restriction.
Telenor also keeps expanding the range of 5G-enabled handsets in its portfolio. For the latest list of its 5G-enabled smartphones please click here.
Notes on 5G technology to editors.
The benefits of 5G
A new generation of mobile technology emerges every 10 years. 5G brings major progress over previous technologies in data speeds, network response times and the number of simultaneously served devices. This can mean an up to tenfold increase in speed; a response time of 2 to 10 milliseconds rather than 20 milliseconds; and several millions of supported devices within a cell instead of a few thousands. In the first years, 5G will also be available in the 700 MHz to 3,600 MHz range, using old technologies in Hungary (mmWave 26 GHz will be available after 2025). The safety of 5G implementation is ensured by the operator based on stringent regulations imposed by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority.
The capabilities of different frequencies
The frequency band used can largely influence coverage and the data speed and capacity provided to users. Lower spectrum (700 to 900 MHz) can provide larger coverage and/or reach the innermost rooms of a building including cellars or rooms with thick walls, but its speed is more limited than that of higher spectrum. Higher spectrum, e.g. 3,600 MHz, used exclusively for 5G purposes, has more limited wave propagation and smaller coverage. However, it can provide higher data capacities. 5G service beyond 1 Gbps is also available in this spectrum, but it has limitations in terms of reaching the inner rooms of a building from a base station located in the street.