Tursky: 95 percent of Austrian households have 5G reception Telecom operators report 5G mobile phone availability at 95 percent; Austria is well above the EU average of 66 percent. Austria continues to move up in the international ranking.
The geographic coverage of 5G mobile radio availability has been greatly dynamic due to massive state and private investments. "The massive investments and efforts of the last few years are showing results: Almost 100% now have 4G coverage and 95% of all households have 5G coverage. This makes us a clear pioneer internationally,” says Tursky with satisfaction.
In addition to the general availability of a fast and reliable digital infrastructure, the so-called "take-up rate" is important, which means that people also make use of the Internet provider's offers. The offer is not used everywhere where 5G or a fibre optic connection is offered. If there are repeated problems with the Internet connection, for example if more than two people in the household are streaming, then it could pay off to switch to a fiber optic connection or a 5G tariff.
"Investments in a good digital infrastructure are also investments in the future, quality of life and competitiveness. For this reason, the federal government has awarded around 1.35 billion euros in subsidies since the beginning of this legislative period in order to provide all of Austria with nationwide fixed and mobile gigabit connections by 2030. The investments in broadband expansion trigger follow-on investments amounting to 2.3 times the value of the subsidies," says Finance Minister Magnus Brunner.
Austria moves up in ranking
Austria has moved up five places in the international Internet speed ranking by the Ookla Company since last year in the mobile communications ranking category and has moved up to 21st place out of more than 140 countries taken into account.
“In addition to general broadband availability, internet speed is also of great importance. Both together create opportunities for innovation and growth, especially in a digital and networked world. Of over 140 countries measured, we showed the best development in mobile communications and the second best in fixed-line rankings last year. This is confirmation of the consistent implementation of the broadband strategy 2030 and the 5G strategy," said State Secretary for Digitalisation Florian Tursky.
In the fixed network ranking, seven places were gained and 57th place was thus achieved. However, the so-called "speed test" does not show the available infrastructure, but only the current take-up rate or the currently selected Internet product. So if, for example, a household in a well-served area chooses a low-speed tariff, only the maximum speed of the lower tariff for this region was assumed in the ranking.
“With the second broadband billion we are using the potential of digitalisation and ensuring equal opportunities in rural regions. It is important that people take advantage of these offers. At the end of the day, the comprehensive and reliable Internet access will be decisive as to whether we will be one of the digitalisation winners or not," concludes Tursky.