Vodafone Spain Expands 5G Coverage to Reach 90% of Population by End-2025

In a significant move to enhance digital connectivity across Spain, Vodafone has announced an ambitious plan to extend its 5G network coverage to 90% of the population by the end of 2025. This expansion is part of Vodafone Spain’s commitment to drive digital inclusion and close the digital gap, particularly in rural and smaller towns.

Extensive Coverage Expansion

The expansion will bring 5G services to approximately 1,000 additional municipalities across 49 provinces. This includes coverage for 513 municipalities with fewer than 1,000 residents, 388 municipalities with populations under 10,000, and 56 municipalities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000. This comprehensive rollout aims to ensure that both urban and rural areas benefit from the latest in telecommunications technology.

Enhanced Indoor Coverage

To improve indoor coverage, Vodafone is deploying 5G on the 700MHz frequency. This frequency band is particularly beneficial for enhancing bandwidth availability and faster data transmission, which is crucial for rural areas and small towns where traditional coverage might be limited.

Commitment to Digital Inclusion

Julia Velasco, Vodafone Spain’s Director of Technology and Operations, emphasized the company’s goal: "To further drive digital inclusion for businesses, citizens, and public administrations, Vodafone’s 5G network will reach 90% of the population, spanning large cities, smaller towns, and rural areas. Our goal is to close the digital gap and provide connectivity for everyone, especially those who need it most."

Historical Context and Future Plans

Vodafone initially launched 5G services in Spain via Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture in 2019. The company later introduced a pre-commercial 5G Standalone (SA) network in June 2021. In January 2022, Vodafone Spain began deploying 5G coverage using the 700 MHz frequency in 109 municipalities across 30 provinces, following the securing of spectrum in the 700 MHz band in July 2021.

Despite the recent sale of Vodafone’s Spanish operations to Zegona Communications for $5.4 billion in May 2024, Vodafone and Zegona have agreed on a brand license that allows the use of the Vodafone brand in Spain for up to 10 years. This transition includes commitments to maintain service continuity, future investments in mobile coverage, and adherence to financial solvency measures.

Joint Venture for Enhanced Connectivity

In addition to the 5G expansion, Vodafone Spain and rival operator MasOrange have formed a joint venture to establish a leading fiber company in Spain. This new entity, FiberCo, will integrate over 12 million real estate units from both operators, making it the largest fiber network company in Europe. This collaboration is set to support Spain’s ongoing efforts towards enhanced connectivity and digitalization.

The upcoming year promises significant advancements in Spain’s telecommunications landscape, with Vodafone at the forefront of these developments. As the country moves towards greater digital inclusion, expats and residents alike can look forward to improved connectivity and enhanced services across the nation.