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‘Mobile surfing in Brussels will be a big problem’

March 08, 2021

15:14

Brussels is in danger of becoming a congestion champion not only on the road but also on the mobile networks. The telecom regulator BIPT warns that the mobile surfer threatens to be flashed back more than ten years in time.

We use more and more gigabytes of data while mobile for messaging, work, music, video and gaming. The Internet of Things (IoT), the switching on of thousands of devices and machines, will significantly increase data usage in the coming years.

In our country, the Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT) ensures that there are sufficient radio frequency bands to keep exploding mobile traffic on the right track. Mobile surfing is happening today thanks to 4G technology. Unlike in other countries, we will have to wait until next year for the faster 5G. Belgium is lagging behind because it has taken years to organize an auction. Due to disagreements between the regions about the distribution of the money, it will not be there until the end of this year.

Surf Trager

It has been known for some time that Brussels will not enjoy 5G if the radiation standard is not adjusted. That nightmare is only likely to get worse, according to a BIPT analysis of the radio frequencies.

The telecom watchdog carried out the study in Antwerp, Liège and Brussels, the largest cities in the three regions. BIPT does not expect to have limited problems for Antwerp and Liège. “There is no risk of significant congestion in the 4G networks in Antwerp and a risk of partial congestion in Liège,” he concluded.


There is no risk of significant congestion of the 4G networks in Antwerp and a risk of partial congestion in Liège.

In Liège, the regulator predicts a high risk in several city districts. Network congestion or congestion can lead to interrupted calls, a drop in download speed or reduced streaming quality.

Wallonia can solve this fairly easily, according to BIPT. ‘When measuring the radiation standard, the region starts from scratch when a new technology – such as 5G – is added.’ 5G can therefore prevent the mobile networks from filling up.

The same story applies to Flanders, where measurements are taken by radio frequency or technology. If the networks fill up, new frequencies or a technology such as 5G will save the day.

Ten years back in time

The Brussels Region, on the other hand, measures cumulatively for the radiation standard. This means that new frequencies or technologies do not offer any solace.

This measuring method threatens to give the capital of Europe (even more) shame on the cheeks next year. BIPT predicts strong congestion of the mobile networks during peak hours.

The saturation threatens to become so great that mobile surfers will fall back to 3G speeds, the mobile technology that was in vogue between 2004 and 2012. ‘Calling will not be a problem, but surfing and sending e-mails will be considerably slower. Loading a website will take minutes or even be taken down, ‘says BIPT spokesperson Jimmy Smedts.


Warning people that they are going back in time in Brussels and asking them to use less mobile data does not seem realistic to me.

Jimmy Smedts

Spokesperson BIPT



How can Brussels prevent this? ‘Warning people that they are going back in time in Brussels and asking them to use less mobile data does not seem realistic to me,’ smedts smiles. ‘The region must measure differently and raise the radiation standard.’

Federal Minister of Telecom Petra De Sutter (Groen) stated at the end of last year that she Brussels would question the discussion about radiation standards to feed. ‘The Brussels standards do not in themselves prevent 5G, but they require the installation of many more antennas, making it more expensive. Do these additional costs mean that operators and companies ignore Brussels? I find that hard to believe. But we still have some time to get out. ‘

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