• FAQ

    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

  • FAQ

    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.

  • FAQ

    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 ...).

  • Opinion of 8 March 2024 on the capacity of the BIPT to carry out the tasks incumbent upon the competent authority within the framework of the bill implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 on digital services (Digital Services Act)

    Publications › Opinion -
    This opinion is given in the context of the question from the Chamber of Representatives concerning the manner in which the BIPT sees the new tasks that would be entrusted to it and the capacities and means available to it to carry them out correctly.
  • Impact of the launch of the fourth operator on Belgium’s position in the international price comparison

    Publications › Press release -
    The arrival of the fourth operator on the Belgian telecom market causes a remarkable shift in the international price comparison, as is shown by a simulation based on the BIPT’s most recent international price study.
  • The BIPT publishes its 2024 international comparative price study

    Publications › Press release -
    The BIPT publishes its annual study in which the prices of telecom services in Belgium are compared with those in the neighbouring countries.
  • The BIPT publishes an update of the results of its mobile study following the market developments

    Publications › Press release -
    wing the launch of the fourth operator’s offers, the BIPT has updated the results of its recent publication in order to inform consumers in full transparency.
  • FAQ

    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.

  • FAQ

    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:

    What do you do? How much do you pay?
    (VAT included)
    You make a call Maximum 3.8 eurocent per call minute in addition to the domestic tariff
    (1.9 eurocent as of 2025)
    You receive a call Maximum 0.2 eurocent per minute of the received call
    You send an SMS Maximum 1.2 eurocent per SMS in addition to the domestic tariff
    (0.3 eurocent as of 2025)
    You receive an SMS No surcharge possible
    You surf the Internet Maximum 0.34 eurocent per megabyte in addition to the domestic tariff
    (0.2 eurocent as of 2025)

  • FAQ

    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.

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