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5G standalone (5G SA) and 5G non-standalone (5G NSA) are 2 types of network infrastructure.

For operators with an existing 4G LTE network, it is easier to start with 5G non-standalone (5G NSA). For this purpose, these operators use new 5G radio equipment, which they however lay over the existing 4G LTE infrastructure. This allows operators to offer 5G services faster and more cheaply, but a 5G NSA network is subject to the limitations of 4G LTE. Users enjoy a higher data rate, although 5G NSA does not allow access to certain 5G benefits that require the dedicated 5G core that is provided in 5G standalone (5G SA).

In the case of 5G SA, the operator rolls out a completely new 5G network that is entirely separate from its existing 4G infrastructure. 5G SA is a true 5G network, with 5G radios and a 5G core, that fully realizes the promised benefits of 5G. Unlike 5G NSA, 5G SA supports:

• higher speeds,
• applications that require ultra-low latency (e.g. real-time operation of robotic equipment in a warehouse or plant), 
• very high density applications (up to 1 million terminal devices within one square kilometre), 
• better security, 
• network slicing, a deployment mode that allows different devices and customers to get dedicated network partitions with specified performance guarantees, such as minimum and maximum throughput rates.

For ordinary consumer applications, 5G SA is less necessary. Therefore, the typical user will often not notice whether the network is a 5G SA or a 5G NSA.

5G has been operational in Belgium since the end of 2020. In the course of 2020, Belgian operators already activated 5G on the spectrum for which provisional rights of use had been granted at the time, as well as on the basis of their then 3G licence in the 2100 MHz band.

In 2022, the 5G pioneer bands at 700 MHz and 3600 MHz were auctioned for a period of 20 years. Currently Proximus, Orange and Telenet offer an abundance of 5G services on their own networks.

DIGI launched a commercial service offer in December 2024.  Pending the development of its own 5G network, DIGI offers 4G via the Proximus network.

The MVNOs ("mobile virtual network operators", they do not have their own wireless network infrastructure but use the network of a mobile network operator to offer mobile communications services) naturally follow the evolution towards 5G.

The initial deployment of 5G is mainly based on NSA (non-standalone), keeping the benefits of 5G from being fully realized.

All major manufacturers market 5G compatible phones.

To use 5G, your phone must be equipped with 5G-compliant hardware.

A 5G smartphone also always has the possibility to use 4G.

5G does not require a dedicated SIM card, but a 5G subscription is required.

All you need to know about 5G

At the request of the Brussels Region, the BIPT carried out a study in September 2018 already, to determine which radiation standards would be necessary to roll out mobile 5G networks. The technical report regarding the impact of the current Brussels radiation standards on the roll-out of mobile networks concluded that, taking into account the expected increase in data traffic and a desired roll-out of 5G, the radiation standards needed to be adjusted.

The radiation standards have meanwhile been revised in line with the development of 5G.

• In the Brussels-Capital Region, the Ordinance of 1 March 2007 on the protection of the environment against the possible harmful effects and interference of non-ionising radiation sets a cumulative limit of 0.5635 W/m² (or about 14.5 V/m).
• The Order of the Flemish Government of 1 June 1995 laying down general and sectoral provisions on the environmental hygiene (VLAREM II) sets a cumulative limit of 20.6 V/m at a frequency of 900 MHz.
• In the Walloon Region, the Decree of 3 April 2009 on the protection against the possible harmful effects and interference of the non-ionising radiation generated by stationary transmitters lays down a limit per operator of 9.2 V/m and a cumulative limit of 18.4 V/m for a frequency of 900 MHz at the places of residence.

All you need to know about 5G

5G further increases the mobile networks’ capacity for these to be able to continue to digest the still rapidly increasing mobile data traffic.

In addition, 5G supports the Internet of Things and new applications, for instance for the automotive industry, health care and media and entertainment.

5G aims at continuing to improve the mobile networks’ possibilities. Three spearheads can be distinguished in this regard:

• an increase of the data speed per user and an increase of the mobile networks’ capacity in order to be able to manage the future growth of the mobile traffic. This will result in a better user experience and allow applications requiring more speed, e.g. Ultra-High Definition Video, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality…;
• an improved reliability and latency. This allows to develop innovative services, the latency of which is crucial, for instance autonomous driving;
• an increase of the number of devices that can be connected in a given area. This boosts the growth of the Internet of Things, which allows a more efficient management and follow-up not only in various sectors but in your home environment as well (Smart Homes, Smart Ports, Smart Agriculture ...).

Since the entry into force of Brexit on 1 January 2021, the European rules on roaming no longer apply in the United Kingdom.

This means that when you make a call, send text messages or surf the Internet from the United Kingdom (to an EU country), consumer prices may be higher than in an EU country given that operators are allowed to apply a roaming surcharge.

For now, however, certain operators are still applying the “Roam-like-at-home” regime in the United Kingdom on a voluntary basis.

We advise you to check with your operator to find out whether it still applies the "Roam-like-at-home” regime in that country. 

If you install a letterbox you should take account of the following requirements:

• The letterbox must be placed within reach (free, easy and without danger) at the border of the public highway.
• The house number must be visible and legible from the location of the letterbox. If you also have a box number, please mention it clearly visibly and legibly on or near the letterbox concerned.

Standards for letterboxes:

• The letterbox aperture must be at least 23 cm wide and 3 cm high.
• The lower edge of the aperture must be situated at a minimum height of 70 cm and the upper edge of the aperture can be situated at a maximum height of 170 cm above the place from where one usually has access to the letterbox.
• The letterbox must be large enough to be delivered a C4 size unfolded item (229 mm by 324 mm) with a 24 mm thickness without damage.

For full details of the regulations, consult the official texts, available via the following link: Justel database.

My operator pursues a fair use policy for roaming services. What does that entail?

Operators are entitled to pursue a fair use policy for the use of roaming services within the European Union (and associated countries: Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein).

There are two ways to implement this:

• Over a period of 4 months the operator can monitor your presence and consumption abroad:
  • If your presence and roaming consumption over 4 months exceeds 50%, your operator has to notify you and ask you to change your behaviour;
  • Once you have been notified by your operator, you have 2 weeks to change your behaviour;
  • If your presence and consumption have not changed by the end of those 2 weeks, your operator may apply a surcharge for the roaming services.

• The operator can restrict the mobile Internet roaming consumption (your data). If you roam and exceed the mobile Internet limit your operator set, he can apply a surcharge for mobile Internet use via roaming. 

Upon exceeding the fair use policy (in any which form), the surcharges applied by the operator, may not exceed the following amounts:

In 2021 relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom came to an end.

Since 1 January 2021, for customs purposes, the United Kingdom (UK) is treated as a non-EU country.

This means that customs clearance costs will be charged. The agreement between the sender and the addressee will determine who will pay these costs.

For more information about customs- and clearance costs: Since 1 July 2021 new VAT rules are applicable to online purchases.

For more information, we advise you to contact the General Administration of Customs & Excise Duties.

In principle, based on the right of withdrawal a consumer who places an online order in Europe has the right to change his mind. Within 14 days following the receipt you can return your order without having to give a reason. This may be the case if the article is not to your liking.

The seller must inform you beforehand about the policy regarding the right of withdrawal and so indicate how and in what time you must return an article. If a seller does not inform you about the terms set in Art. VI.45 and following of the Code of Economic Law you have up to 12 months’ extra time to do so.

There are a few exceptions to the right of withdrawal. Certain goods are excluded. Examples are custom-made products, newspapers, lingerie and perishable food articles. An exhaustive list of the exceptions can be found in Art. VI.53 and following of the Code of Economic Law.