Vodafone Germany is launching 5G services, taking on Deutsche Telekom by offering cheaper deals and reaching more cities.
Vodafone is switching on 5G antenna in 20 German towns and cities. Deutsche Telekom is planning to reach 20 towns next year only.
Vodafone’s 5G network will cover 25 cities, 25 municipalities and 10 industrial parks by the end of this year. It will reach 10 million users by the end of 2020, and 20 million by the end of 2021.
Vodafone Germany will offer 5G deals for smartphone users starting at 14.99 euros or $16.80 per month for the first year. Its unlimited 5G data plan costs 80 euros, less than Deutsche Telekom’s own deal at 85 euros, Vodafone Germany CEO Hannes Ametsreiter said in a statement.
Vodafone said its 5G services would actually be available to consumers faster than Deutsche Telekom’s, with existing customers able to switch plans from Wednesday at a monthly cost of 5 euros or, for some high-end tariffs, for free.
Deutsche Telekom launched its 5G services last week.
Vodafone Germany is selling 5G smartphones — Huawei Mate 20 X 5G from Wednesday and Samsung Galaxy S10 5G to follow, as well as the Gigacube 5G home router from Huawei.
Vodafone, like other German network operators, continues to rely on network gear from Huawei, the Chinese technology giant that has been sanctioned by the United States because of perceived security risks, Reuters reported.
The company will continue to pursue a dual vendor strategy for its networks, using Huawei and Sweden’s Ericsson.
Vodafone Germany has acquired radio spectrum for 5G mobile networks at an auction for a total cost of €1.88 billion. It has secured 90 MHz in the 3.6 GHz band and 40 MHz of 2100 MHz spectrum.
Vodafone Germany has acquired 130 MHz, comprising: 3.6 GHz – 90 MHz for €1.073 billion and 2100 MHz – 40 MHz for €806.5 million.
