The CIA World Factbook Every edition, 1990 to 2024 Europe
Telecommunication systems Belgium, in 35 editions.
The entry for Belgium published Telecommunication systems in 35 editions of 36, from 1990 to 2024. The text changed in 25 editions. Each is shown as published. Telecommunication systems in every entry.
- editions changed the text
- 25
- the first edition with it
- 1990
- the latest edition with it
- 2024
Published as “Telecommunications” (1990 to 1994), “Telephone system” (1995 to 2019) and “Telecommunication systems” (2020 to 2024).
field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe edition shownChoose an edition on the strip beside the text, or step through them with the arrows. Mark changes compares it with the edition before: the marks are ours, words added and words removed.
2024 edition
Same as 2023Published as “Telecommunications”
- excellent domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities;
- 4,560,000 telephones;
- stations--8 AM, 19 FM (41 relays), 25 TV (10 relays);
- 5 submarine cables;
- satellite earth stations operating in INTELSAT 3 Atlantic Ocean and EUTELSAT systems
excellent domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; 4,560,000 telephones; stations--8 AM, 19 FM (41 relays), 25 TV (10 relays); 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations operating in INTELSAT 3 Atlantic Ocean and EUTELSAT systems
Published as “Telecommunications”
- excellent domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities;
- 4,720,000 telephones;
- stations--8 AM, 19 FM (42 relays), 25 TV (10 relays);
- 5 submarine cables;
- satellite earth stations operating in INTELSAT 3 Atlantic Ocean and EUTELSAT systems
excellent domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; 4,560,000 4,720,000 telephones; stations--8 AM, 19 FM (41 (42 relays), 25 TV (10 relays); 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations operating in INTELSAT 3 Atlantic Ocean and EUTELSAT systems
Published as “Telecommunications”
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities;
- extensive cable network;
- limited radio relay network;
- 4,720,000 telephones;
- broadcast stations - 3 AM, 39 FM, 32 TV;
- 5 submarine cables;
- 2 satellite earth stations - Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT systems;
- nationwide mobile phone system
excellent highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated
domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; extensive
cable network; limited radio relay network; 4,720,000 telephones; stations--8 broadcast
stations - 3 AM, 19 FM (42 relays), 25 TV (10 relays); 39 FM, 32 TV; 5 submarine cables; 2 satellite earth
stations operating in INTELSAT 3 - Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT systems systems; nationwide mobile
phone system
Published as “Telecommunications”
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network;
- 4,720,000 telephones;
- broadcast stations - 3 AM, 39 FM, 32 TV;
- 5 submarine cables;
- 2 satellite earth stations - Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT systems;
- nationwide mobile phone system
highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated
domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; extensive
cable network; limited microwave radio relay network; 4,720,000 telephones; broadcast
broadcast stations - 3 AM, 39 FM, 32 TV; 5 submarine cables; 2 satellite earth
earth stations - Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT systems; nationwide mobile
mobile phone system
Published as “Telecommunications”
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network;
- 4,720,000 telephones;
- broadcast stations - 3 AM, 39 FM, 32 TV;
- 5 submarine cables;
- 2 satellite earth stations - Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT systems;
- nationwide mobile phone system
highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated
domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; extensive
extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network;
4,720,000 telephones;
submarine cables; 2 satellite
and EUTELSAT systems; nationwide
Published as “Telephone system”
4,720,000 telephones; highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- local:
- NA
- intercity:
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network;
- nationwide mobile phone system
- international:
- 5 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations and 1 EUTELSAT earth station
4,720,000 telephones; highly developed,
technologically advanced, and completely automated
international telephone and telegraph facilities; facilities
local: NA
intercity: extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay
network; nationwide mobile phone system4,720,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 39 FM, 32 TV; international: 5satellite earth stations - Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth
stations and 1 EUTELSAT systems; nationwide mobile phone system earth station
Published as “Telephone system”
highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- domestic:
- nationwide cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network
- international:
- 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
4,720,000 telephones; highly developed,
completely automated domestic and
telegraph facilitieslocal: NA domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable
intercity:
network; limited microwave radio relay
network; nationwide mobile phone system
international: 5 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT satellite earth
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 EUTELSAT earth station Eutelsat
Published as “Telephone system”
highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- domestic:
- nationwide cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network
- international :
- 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
highly developed, technologically advanced, and
completely automated domestic and international telephone and
telegraph facilities
domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable
network; limited microwave radio relay networkinternational: international : 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
Published as “Telephone system”
highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- domestic:
- nationwide cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network
- international:
- 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations-2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
highly developed, technologically advanced, and
completely automated domestic and international telephone and
telegraph facilities
domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable
network; limited microwave radio relay networkinternational : international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2stations-2 Intelsat
(Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
Published as “Telephone system”
highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- domestic:
- nationwide cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network
- international:
- 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations--2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
highly developed, technologically advanced, and
completely automated domestic and international telephone and
telegraph facilities
domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable
network; limited microwave radio relay network
international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations-2 Intelsat stations--2
Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
Published as “Telephone system”
highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- domestic:
- nationwide cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network
- international:
- 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
highly developed, technologically advanced, and
domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable
international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations--2stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network international: 5 submarine cables;
- satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
The same text in 2002 and 2003.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- domestic:
- nationwide cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network
- international:
- 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network
international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
The same text in 2004 and 2005.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- domestic:
- nationwide cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network
- international:
- country code - 32;
- 5 submarine cables;
- satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network
international: country code - 32; 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- domestic:
- nationwide cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network
- international:
- country code - 32;
- submarine cables - 5;
- satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2005)
general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network
international: country code - 32; 5 submarine cables; cables - 5; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2005)
The same text in 2007 and 2008.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- domestic:
- nationwide cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network
- international:
- country code - 32;
- landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007)
general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network
international: country code - 32; landing point for a number of submarine cables - 5; that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2005) (2007)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- domestic:
- nationwide cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network
- international:
- country code - 32;
- landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007)
general assessment:
highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
domestic:
nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network
international:
country code - 32; landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007)
The same text in 5 editions, 2010 to 2014.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- domestic:
- nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network
- international:
- country code - 32;
- landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007)
general assessment:
highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
domestic:
nationwide cellular mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network
international:
country code - 32; landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- domestic:
- nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network
- international:
- country code - 32;
- landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007)
general assessment:
domestic:
international:
The same text in 2016 and 2017.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
- domestic:
- nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network
- international:
- country code - 32;
- landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2015)
general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities
domestic: nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network
international: country code - 32; landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2007) (2015)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities;
- LTE availability is nearly universal in mobile sector;
- ongoing investments in developing applications and services for 5G;
- consumer are interested in quad-play services (broadband +television +telephone +wireless services) which will mean MNOs (mobile network operators) are enhancing their fixed-line offerings (2017)
- domestic:
- nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network;
- 37 per 100 fixed-line, 104 per 100 mobile-cellular (2017)
- international:
- country code - 32;
- landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2015)
general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities facilities; LTE availability is nearly universal in mobile sector; ongoing investments in developing applications and services for 5G; consumer are interested in quad-play services (broadband +television +telephone +wireless services) which will mean MNOs (mobile network operators) are enhancing their fixed-line offerings (2017)
domestic: nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network network; 37 per 100 fixed-line, 104 per 100 mobile-cellular (2017)
international: country code - 32; landing point for a number of submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2015)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities;
- LTE availability is nearly universal in mobile sector;
- ongoing investments in developing applications and services for 5G;
- consumer are interested in quad-play services (broadband +television +telephone +wireless services) which will mean MNOs (mobile network operators) are enhancing their fixed-line offerings (2018)
- domestic:
- nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network;
- 37 per 100 fixed-line, 104 per 100 mobile-cellular (2018)
- international:
- country code - 32;
- landing points for Concerto, UK-Belgium, Tangerine, and SeaMeWe-3, submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2019)
general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; LTE availability is nearly universal in mobile sector; ongoing investments in developing applications and services for 5G; consumer are interested in quad-play services (broadband +television +telephone +wireless services) which will mean MNOs (mobile network operators) are enhancing their fixed-line offerings (2017) (2018)
domestic: nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network; 37 per 100 fixed-line, 104 per 100 mobile-cellular (2017) (2018)
international: country code - 32; landing point points for a number of Concerto, UK-Belgium, Tangerine, and SeaMeWe-3, submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2015) (2019)
- general assessment:
- highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities;
- LTE availability is nearly universal in mobile sector;
- ongoing investments in developing applications and services for migration to 5G, operators are looking into repurposing 3G infrastructure and spectrum as they gear up for 5G;
- Europe-wide approach to simultaneous movement to 5G on going;
- 5G will be main motivation for growth and revenue in years to come;
- consumer are interested in quad-play/bundled services (broadband +television +telephone +wireless services) which will mean MNOs (mobile network operators) are enhancing their fixed-line offerings (2020)
- domestic:
- 34 per 100 fixed-line, 100 per 100 mobile-cellular;
- nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network (2019)
- international:
- country code - 32;
- landing points for Concerto, UK-Belgium, Tangerine, and SeaMeWe-3, submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2019)
note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications production and supply chains globally; consumer spending on telecom devices and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of the telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable and satellite - has moderated
general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; LTE availability is nearly universal in mobile sector; ongoing investments in developing applications and services for migration to 5G, operators are looking into repurposing 3G infrastructure and spectrum as they gear up for 5G; Europe-wide approach to simultaneous movement to 5G on going; 5G will be main motivation for growth and revenue in years to come; consumer are interested in quad-play quad-play/bundled services (broadband +television +telephone +wireless services) which will mean MNOs (mobile network operators) are enhancing their fixed-line offerings (2018) (2020)
domestic: 34 per 100 fixed-line, 100 per 100 mobile-cellular; nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network; 37 per 100 fixed-line, 104 per 100 mobile-cellular (2018) network (2019)
international: country code - 32; landing points for Concerto, UK-Belgium, Tangerine, and SeaMeWe-3, submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2019)
note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications production and supply chains globally; consumer spending on telecom devices and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of the telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable and satellite - has moderated
- general assessment:
- Belgium has a highly developed, technologically advanced telecom system;
- LTE is nearly universal;
- ongoing investment in 5G with services to dozens of cities and towns;
- competition between the DSL and cable platforms with investment in fiber networks;
- 5G;
- operators accelerating fiber roll-out program;
- Brussels Airport collaborating with operator to deploy 5G and IoT solutions;
- international connections through satellite and submarine cables;
- importer of broadcast equipment from EU neighbors (2020)
- domestic:
- 34 per 100 fixed-line, 100 per 100 mobile-cellular;
- nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network (2020)
- international:
- country code - 32;
- landing points for Concerto, UK-Belgium, Tangerine, and SeaMeWe-3, submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2019)
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
general assessment: Belgium has a highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; advanced telecom system; LTE availability is nearly universal in mobile sector; universal; ongoing investments investment in developing applications and 5G with services for migration to 5G, operators are looking into repurposing 3G infrastructure dozens of cities and spectrum as they gear up for towns; competition between the DSL and cable platforms with investment in fiber networks; 5G; Europe-wide approach to simultaneous movement operators accelerating fiber roll-out program; Brussels Airport collaborating with operator to 5G on going; deploy 5G will be main motivation for growth and revenue in years to come; consumer are interested in quad-play/bundled services (broadband +television +telephone +wireless services) which will mean MNOs (mobile network operators) are enhancing their fixed-line offerings IoT solutions; international connections through satellite and submarine cables; importer of broadcast equipment from EU neighbors (2020)
domestic: 34 per 100 fixed-line, 100 per 100 mobile-cellular; nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network (2019) (2020)
international: country code - 32; landing points for Concerto, UK-Belgium, Tangerine, and SeaMeWe-3, submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2019)
note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect consequent restriction on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable services as a tool for work and satellite - has moderated school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
- general assessment:
- mobile networks have been upgraded to support growing mobile data use among subscribers, with near-comprehensive LTE coverage;
- operators have also trialed 5G in preparation for launching services;
- the auction of 5G-suitable spectrum has been delayed to the beginning of 2022, while the onerous restrictions on radiation have meant that some 5G trials have been suspended;
- there is effective competition in Belgium between the DSL and cable platforms, while in recent years government support has also encouraged investment in fiber networks;
- in a bid to encourage investment in under served areas, the regulator in 2018 amended the conditions by which market players grant wholesale access to copper and fiber infrastructure;
- in May 2019 it opened a further consultation on cost models for access to the networks of cablecos and fiber infrastructure (2021)
- domestic:
- about 31 per 100 fixed-line and 99 per 100 mobile-cellular;
- nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network (2020)
- international:
- country code - 32;
- landing points for Concerto, UK-Belgium, Tangerine, and SeaMeWe-3, submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2019)
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress toward 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
general assessment: Belgium has a highly developed, technologically advanced telecom system; mobile networks have been upgraded to support growing mobile data use among subscribers, with near-comprehensive LTE is nearly universal; ongoing investment in coverage; operators have also trialed 5G with services in preparation for launching services; the auction of 5G-suitable spectrum has been delayed to dozens the beginning of cities and towns; 2022, while the onerous restrictions on radiation have meant that some 5G trials have been suspended; there is effective competition in Belgium between the DSL and cable platforms with platforms, while in recent years government support has also encouraged investment in fiber networks; 5G; operators accelerating fiber roll-out program; Brussels Airport collaborating with operator in a bid to deploy 5G and IoT solutions; international connections through satellite encourage investment in under served areas, the regulator in 2018 amended the conditions by which market players grant wholesale access to copper and submarine cables; importer fiber infrastructure; in May 2019 it opened a further consultation on cost models for access to the networks of broadcast equipment from EU neighbors (2020) cablecos and fiber infrastructure (2021)
domestic: 34 about 31 per 100 fixed-line, 100 fixed-line and 99 per 100 mobile-cellular; nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network (2020)
international: country code - 32; landing points for Concerto, UK-Belgium, Tangerine, and SeaMeWe-3, submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, Australia Australia, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2019)
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards toward 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and has increased due to the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became is still evident, and received some support from governments the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
The same text in 2023 and 2024.
- general assessment:
- mobile networks have been upgraded to support growing mobile data use among subscribers, with near-comprehensive LTE coverage;
- operators have also trialed 5G in preparation for launching services;
- the auction of 5G-suitable spectrum has been delayed to the beginning of 2022, while the onerous restrictions on radiation have meant that some 5G trials have been suspended;
- there is effective competition in Belgium between the DSL and cable platforms, while in recent years government support has also encouraged investment in fiber networks;
- in a bid to encourage investment in under served areas, the regulator in 2018 amended the conditions by which market players grant wholesale access to copper and fiber infrastructure;
- in May 2019 it opened a further consultation on cost models for access to the networks of cablecos and fiber infrastructure (2021)
- domestic:
- about 28 per 100 fixed-line and 101 per 100 mobile-cellular;
- nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system;
- extensive cable network;
- limited microwave radio relay network (2021)
- international:
- country code - 32;
- landing points for Concerto, UK-Belgium, Tangerine, and SeaMeWe-3, submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2019)
general assessment: mobile networks have been upgraded to support growing mobile data use among subscribers, with near-comprehensive LTE coverage; operators have also trialed 5G in preparation for launching services; the auction of 5G-suitable spectrum has been delayed to the beginning of 2022, while the onerous restrictions on radiation have meant that some 5G trials have been suspended; there is effective competition in Belgium between the DSL and cable platforms, while in recent years government support has also encouraged investment in fiber networks; in a bid to encourage investment in under served areas, the regulator in 2018 amended the conditions by which market players grant wholesale access to copper and fiber infrastructure; in May 2019 it opened a further consultation on cost models for access to the networks of cablecos and fiber infrastructure (2021)
domestic: about 31 28 per 100 fixed-line and 99 101 per 100 mobile-cellular; nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network (2020) (2021)
international: country code - 32; landing points for Concerto, UK-Belgium, Tangerine, and SeaMeWe-3, submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2019)
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress toward 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
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Cite this page
Central Intelligence Agency. “Belgium: Telecommunication systems.” The World Factbook, 1990–2024 editions. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/belgium/telecommunication-systems.