Cellular provider cannot continue as before
1&1 will offer the fourth mobile network in Germany, the necessary construction is underway. But this means that there are also changes that will affect practically all of 1&1’s mobile customers. The provider from Montabaur will soon no longer be able to continue as before.
1&1 must act: Federal Network Agency issues an ultimatum
1&1 is in the hot phase of setting up its own mobile network. The first locations are being tested, but the starting shot is still a long way off. However, the new competitor from Telekom, Vodafone and Telefónica/o2 cannot hold out for long. The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) has now indirectly clarified this.
So far, 1&1 has been a so-called service provider in the networks of the competition from Vodafone and Telefónica/o2, similar to the many cheap providers who do not operate their own network. There are corresponding usage agreements with the network operators for this. But the requirements are clear: either service provider or network operator. 1&1 initially had an unlimited transitional status for the period of development since 2018, which enabled the company to do both.
The Federal Network Agency will soon put an end to this: by the end of 2023, 1&1 will have to stop selling contracts in third-party networks. Subsequently, the business activity as a service provider must be terminated by the end of 2025 (source: hot). That means: 1&1 may only sell contracts that do not transmit in their own network by the end of 2023. This is followed by a transitional phase of two years, during which the existing contracts also have to be migrated to 1&1’s own network.
This is probably based on calculations on the part of the BNetzA: “With the decision on when to end the double position of 1&1, the competitive independence of this network operator will be established. This encourages competition.” explains Klaus Müller, President of the BNetzA.
Already a 1&1 customer? Then you can benefit from the device exchange:
On the one hand correct, on the other hand you also build up gentle pressure for 1&1, that expand the network quickly and put into operation. The BNetzA had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the progress made in setting up its own network. 1&1 had to accept the plan of 1,000 cell phone sites by the end of 2022. Instead, it should now only be ready in mid-2023.
No restrictions provided for 1&1 customers
The step should not restrict mobile communications customers from 1&1: Coverage will continue to be guaranteed. 1&1 will use national roaming for this can access the o2 network where their own has not yet been expanded. The landline offers from 1&1 are not affected by the steps.
