Telefonica Espana (Movistar) has announced that it switched on its Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G network in selected Spanish locations yesterday (1 September). The network utilises 3.5GHz spectrum, alongside refarmed 1800MHz and 2100MHz frequencies. Going forward, the telco says that it expects 75% of the population to receive access to the new platform by the end of the year. Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete, Telefonica’s Executive Chairman, commented: ‘The launch of our 5G network constitutes a leap forward towards the hyper-connectivity that will change the future of Spain.’
Telefonica notes that the rollout will take place in tandem with a gradual shutdown of its 2G and 3G networks; 3G networks will be fully deactivated by 2025. The telco adds that it now expects its fixed copper network to be fully replaced with fibre by 2025, representing a delay to the previously suggested 2020 deadline.