5G is the next generation wireless network technology, which will be faster and able to handle more connected devices than the existing 4G LTE network. Key benefits of 5G are ultra-low latency (~1ms vs. 100ms for 4G), speed (Higher than 1Gbps vs. 100Mbps for 4G) and connectivity (~1’000’000 devices / km2 vs. 100’000 for 4G). These developments are accompanied by disruptive technological choices opening up new possibilities:
- New frequencies and smart antennas capable of managing energy in point-to-point mode between users and radio relay (beamforming).
- Virtualisation technologies, i.e. a distributed architecture allowing direct local processing of data for faster local actions (distributed intelligence).
- Network slicing, allowing for the management of different classes and types of services according to user needs.
Highlights
Since 2022, all European countries have a commercial 5G service available at least in a part of the country. Close to 256’074 5G base stations are now active in the EU and approximately 72% of the EU’s population is covered by at least one 5G network
Opportunities for DSOs
- Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and flexibility: 5G could facilitate DER management connection by offering solutions to activate flexibility on low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) networks.
- Metering: 5G could enable remote, smart or real-time metering where broadband over power line is off-limits.
- Network management: 5G-connected sensors to the distribution network could enhance advanced automation and control functions like fault location isolation and service restoration (FLISR). 5G could provide new solutions to set up differential protections for MV and LV lines.
- Asset management: Sensors connected to network assets with 5G could help monitor health indexes for safety, preventive maintenance and prevent thefts. Combined with drones, 5G could facilitate component diagnosis.
- Operation: 5G could facilitate remote crew supervision support and supervision on the field.
Challenges for DSOs
- For some use cases, 5G latency is still too high compared with wired or fiber solutions.
E.DSO considerations
- To date, DSOs have identified few use cases where the performance of 5G provides real benefits over current network operating methods. 5G will only be used if it is proved to bring technical and economic benefits.
- European DSOs usually rely on telecom operators and do not operate wide private telecom networks.
- 2G and 3G shutdown could lead to faster implementation by DSOs of 5G-based solutions.
- The decision of DSOs to use 5G to control critical assets will depend on guaranteed levels of reliability and resilience.
- The energy impact of the 5G rollout should be brought to attention and documented as DSOs try to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Specific attention to cybersecurity issues will be necessary since many patents on 5G are held by non-European players. Furthermore, 5G cybersecurity needs some significant improvements: secured routing points, real-time cybersecurity adapted to 5G speed, and unsecured connected assets.
Potential use cases
- DERs and flexibility: 5G can enhance the integration and management of DERs by enabling real-time activation of flexibility services across LV and MV networks.
- Smart metering: In areas where BPL is not feasible, 5G offers a viable alternative for enabiling remote, smart, or real-time metering solutions.
- Networking management: By connecting sensors to the distribution grid, 5G can support advanced automation functions such as fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR). It also opens new possibilities for implementing differential protection schemes on MV and LV lines.
- Asset management: 5G-connected sensors can monitor the condition of network assets, supporting safety, predictive maintenance, and theft prevention. When combined with drone technology, 5G can also facilitate remote diagnostics of infrastructure components.
- Operations: 5G can improve operational efficiency by enabling real-time remote supervision of field crews and supporting enhanced on-site monitoring capabilities.
Ongoing projects
- Enedis launched the 5G3E project in collaboration with Nokia and Orange to assess the performance of 5G over previous cellular networks and the potential replacement of wired connections with 5G connectivity. In particular, Enedis tested 5G connectivity for the operation of their Teleaction control system, used to secure the connection of large renewable energy producers to the medium voltage distribution network.
Last update: 26 June 2025