nPerf is an independent platform for measuring Internet performance, based on real user experience. Its platform is widely used to compare ISPs, monitor network quality and support investment in telecom infrastructure, and it has recently released data that gives an insight into the country rankings for 5G Standalone adoption rates.
The data has been garnered between 1 January 2026 and 1 July 2026.
With 31.3% of tests conducted on 5G SA, the UK ranks 2nd in Europe, according to nPerf data. This technology, which enhances the smoothness of uses such as streaming or downloading, is slightly less widespread than in Austria (31.9%), but significantly more than in Switzerland (25.1%).
Ranking based on 5G SA, according to nPerf:
- Austria 31.9%
- United Kingdon 31.3%
- Switzerland 25.1%
- France 23.8%
- Spain 19.6%
- Ireland 12.0%
- Portugal 9.5%
- Germany 9.4%
- Belgium 9.0%
- Greece 8.2%
The UK shows a share of 31.3% of tests carried out on the 5G SA network.
Standalone 5G, or 5G SA, enables a more stable and faster connection, essential for demanding uses such as high-definition video viewing or downloading large files.
Significant gaps in Europe
The gaps between the countries in the ranking are significant: Austria leads the UK by 0.6 points, while the latter surpasses Switzerland by 6.2 points. Further down the list, Germany (9.4%) and Belgium (9.0%) bring up the rear, with much lower shares. These differences illustrate an uneven adoption of 5G SA in Europe, but confirm the UK’s strong position among the most advanced countries in this field.
