Belgium Telecom Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Historical Data Period | 2019 - 2023 |
| CAGR | 2.95% |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Belgium Telecom Market Analysis
The Belgium Telecom Market is expected to register a CAGR of 2.95% during the forecast period.
- Belgium is a developed economy, and internet penetration is significant in the nation. The World Bank indicates that over 92% of the population uses the Internet. This indicates that digital awareness is significant and contributes to the market’s growth.
- Belgium boasts a mobile market dominated by four key players: Proximus, Orange Belgium, Telenet, and Digi Belgium, alongside a few MVNOs. These operators have bolstered their LTE networks to accommodate the rising demand for mobile data. Despite initial hesitations tied to radiation concerns, all major MNOs have now rolled out 5G services. The 5G spectrum auction, initially delayed, happened in June 2022, paving the way for licensees (including Digi Belgium, which, in partnership with Citymesh, emerged as the nation's fourth MNO) to develop 5G services, primarily utilizing sub-GHz spectrum swiftly.
- Furthermore, Belgium's landscape sees robust competition between DSL and cable platforms. Moreover, recent government initiatives have spurred investments in fiber networks. Telenet, backed by Liberty Global, has expanded its DOCSIS3.1 services and ventured into Wallonia. Meanwhile, Proximus, known for its extensive fiber/VDSL and FttP deployments, is channeling investments into its ambitious 'Fibre for Belgium' program, with a commitment of EUR 3 billion (USD 3.27 Billion) until 2027. While fiber is rising, cable remains the dominant player, and DSL is gradually losing ground as subscribers pivot toward expanding fiber networks.
Belgium Telecom Market Trends
Rising Demand for 5G
- Belgium is a well-established telecommunications market, serving a population of over 11.5 million. The nation stands out with a robust mobile subscriber base, offering top-tier mobile services in the region. While initial 5G deployments faced delays due to governmental disagreements over environmental concerns, the landscape has rapidly evolved. Major mobile network operators (MNOs) have successfully introduced 5G services, with numerous projects showcasing the technology's diverse applications.
- In March 2023, Orange Belgium announced its selection by the Belgian government to spearhead 11 pilot projects leveraging 5G technology, slated for execution between 2023 and 2024. These initiatives are part of the government's broader strategy to catalyze the adoption of 5G technologies in the country. Orange Belgium has set ambitious targets, aiming to provide 5G coverage to 40% of the Belgian population by 2023, with a further surge to 90% by 2025. Notably, in September 2022, in collaboration with tech giants Ericsson, Nokia, and Oracle, Orange Belgium successfully rolled out a 5G Standalone core network built on a cloud-native architecture.
- In April 2023, Belgian telecom giants Telenet and Base bolstered their 5G network, extending coverage to over 850 mobile sites across 260+ municipalities.
- In April 2024, Proximus, Belgium's premier telecommunications and digital services provider, formed a strategic alliance with Airbus Public Safety and Security. Together, they are introducing Agnet MCx, an advanced solution customized for business-critical communications, to the Belgian market. This collaboration signifies a pivotal advancement in harnessing the unique capabilities of 5G technology, especially in enhancing secure communications vital for industries like transportation, logistics, and manufacturing.
Data and Messaging Projected to Grow Significantly During the Forecast Period
- According to GSMA Intelligence, Belgium boasted 11.38 million cellular mobile connections as of January 2024, representing 97.3% of its population. Notably, this marked an increase of 89 thousand connections, or 0.8%, from the beginning of 2023.
- As of January 2024, Belgium boasted a significant internet user base of 11.15 million. This figure translates to an impressive internet penetration rate of 95.3%, signifying the vast majority of the population is online. Data from Ookla highlights a notable surge in Belgium's median mobile internet speed, leaping by 13.15 Mbps, marking a substantial 23.4% increase over the previous year. In parallel, Ookla's findings underscore a steady growth in Belgium's fixed internet speeds, climbing by 6.23 Mbps, a commendable 7.2% increase over the same period.
- Furthermore, in September 2023, Orange Belgium announced a significant milestone, securing a five-year contract to deliver mobile connectivity and IoT services to the Flemish government. Valued at over EUR 23 million (USD 24.4 million), the primary objective of this partnership is to grant all public administrations in Flanders access to Orange Belgium's comprehensive suite of mobile services. These encompass mobile telephony, data communications, machine-to-machine interactions, and IoT solutions catering to diverse administrative bodies.
Belgium Telecom Industry Overview
The Belgian telecom market is consolidated, with a few players holding the majority of the market share. In order to sustain in this competitive market, players are engaged in acquisitions and collaborations, thereby contributing to the market’s growth rate.
- April 2024: Proximus, a Belgian operator, disclosed its recent agreement with NRB, a local IT services firm, to secure an extra 20 MHz of 5G spectrum in the 3600 MHz band. NRB, in a strategic move, is divesting its 5G license to realign with its primary operations, all the while assuring its dedication to providing 5G services, as highlighted by Proximus. Furthermore, the two entities are in talks regarding a potential wholesale collaboration.
- June 2023: Orange Belgium has successfully acquired a controlling stake in VOO SA, a prominent telecommunications provider in Belgium. Following the transaction, Orange Belgium now commands a 75% stake in VOO SA, with Nethys, the previous majority owner, holding the remaining 25%. This move not only cements Orange's foothold in the Belgian telecom sector but also paves the way for anticipated growth and innovation initiatives.
Belgium Telecom Market Leaders
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Proximus
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Orange Belgium
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Telenet
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Digi Belgium
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Lycamobile Belgium
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Belgium Telecom Market News
- September 2023: Orange Belgium announced a significant milestone, securing a five-year contract to deliver mobile connectivity and IoT services to the Flemish government. Valued at over EUR 23 million (USD 24.4 million), the primary objective of this partnership is to grant all public administrations in Flanders access to Orange Belgium's comprehensive suite of mobile services. These encompass mobile telephony, data communications, machine-to-machine interactions, and IoT solutions catering to diverse administrative bodies.
- July 2023: Belgian operator Fiberklaar unveiled its latest strides in expanding its fiber network, enhancing high-speed connectivity across multiple Belgian municipalities. The company's recent declaration outlines its commitment to delivering fiber connectivity to the communities of Erembodegem, Meldert, and Moorsel.
Belgium Telecom Industry Segmentation
Telecom or telecommunication is the long-range transmission of information by electromagnetic means. The Belgian telecom market includes in-depth trend analysis based on connectivity, such as fixed networks, mobile networks, and telecom towers. Telecom services are divided into voice services (wired and wireless), data and messaging services, and OTT and PayTV services. Several factors, including an increasing demand for 5G, will likely drive the adoption of telecom services.
The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD million) for all the above segments.
| By Services | Voice Services | Wired |
| Wireless | ||
| Data and Messaging Services | ||
| OTT and PayTV Services |
| Voice Services | Wired |
| Wireless | |
| Data and Messaging Services | |
| OTT and PayTV Services |
Belgium Telecom Market Research FAQs
What is the current Belgium Telecom Market size?
The Belgium Telecom Market is projected to register a CAGR of 2.95% during the forecast period (2025-2030)
Who are the key players in Belgium Telecom Market?
Proximus, Orange Belgium, Telenet, Digi Belgium and Lycamobile Belgium are the major companies operating in the Belgium Telecom Market.
What years does this Belgium Telecom Market cover?
The report covers the Belgium Telecom Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Belgium Telecom Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Belgium Telecom Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Belgium Telecom market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Belgium Telecom analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
