5G use cases in the future Multiannual Financial Framework

Find out more about 5G use cases across Europe, based on insights from 12 Member States, highlighting market maturity, sectoral deployment levels, investment ranges, and potential funding support under the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

How should 5G pilots continue to be supported beyond the CEF Digital programme? What support should be planned under the next MFF? These questions were explored at the last 5G Community Annual Conference. The presentation by Christophe Bodin notably explored 5G use cases across Europe, supported by a growing ecosystem of private 5G network providers, mobile network operators deploying 5G standalone (5GSA), and neutral host networks. Insights collected from nearly 30 stakeholders across 12 EU Member States show that while demand for private networks is beginning to increase, deployment remains uneven. Limited 5GSA coverage and geographically fragmented networks continue to shape market conditions in many countries.

Market maturity remains low overall. Awareness of 5G is high among large industrial players but significantly lower among SMEs and public authorities, despite the presence of around 2 million SMEs in Europe. Demonstration projects have sometimes been affected by delayed software releases, limited availability of devices, and the continued use of legacy technologies such as LTE, Wi-Fi and LoRA. Regulatory questions, particularly around spectrum, also remain a factor.

Sectoral development varies considerably. Large industrial companies, ports, and airports are among the most advanced, with some stakeholders reporting productivity gains of around 15%. Hospitals and universities show emerging adoption, while smart cities remain largely experimental. Rural territories and cross-border areas offer potential use cases in agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and public services but face higher deployment costs and economic challenges linked to low population density, increasing the need for infrastructure sharing.

In the context of the future MFF, attention is increasingly focused on moving beyond proof-of-value projects toward scale. Future funding support mechanisms may include grants, promotional loans, equity instruments, and dedicated infrastructure funding to address market gaps and support wider adoption.

For further information, read the presentation by Christophe Bodin, Director CBO Consulting delivered at the 2025 5G Community Conference.

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