Germany’s fourth mobile network launches on December 8th
1&1 says it will activate its own mobile network ahead of announcing its first smartphone tariffs on December 8. The network deployment has been beset with problems, and the network activation date has been postponed a number of times, most recently in September. Germany’s fourth mobile network
1&1 CEO Ralph Dommermuth said in an interview earlier this month with German newspaper Handelsblatt said antennas would be active in 200 locations in early 2024, rising to 3,000 by the end of next year.
Telefonica opens up 5G
However, while the roll-out of its own infrastructure, Open RAN, continues, it will still roam on Telefonica Deutschland’s 2G and 4G networks, to which 5G has unexpectedly been added. Previously Telefonica had declined to give 1&1 access to its 5G network. German media reports no details have been given about the expanded arrangement.
To make a difference in the German mobile market, 1&1 is building the most modern mobile network in Europe. To this end, 1&1 is relying entirely on innovative Open RAN technology. At the heart of the 1&1 network is a private cloud in decentralized edge data centres, which are connected via fibre optics with gigabit antennas. All network functions are controlled by software that runs on conventional servers, such as those found in every data centre.
In contrast to conventional network architectures, which are often provided by a single manufacturer, the 1&1 Open RAN has standardized interfaces that allow 1&1 to work flexibly with the most secure and best equipment suppliers on the market. For example, 1&1 has avoided using components from Chinese manufacturers from the outset.
Shift to Vodafone Germany’s fourth mobile network
This surprise move follows another unexpected announcement made in August – that 1&1 will move its 12 million mobile customers to Vodafone’s network for national roaming from 1 July 2024 in stages.
Previously, the two companies had been at loggerheads after 1&1 had complained to Germany’s Federal Cartel Office (the Bundeskartellamt) that Vodafone actions had caused “obstacles to the roll-out of its 5G mobile network”. 1&1 said the obstacles had prevented it from meeting the roll-out obligations that are part of its license terms.
1&1 has offered Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) on 5G technology for home broadband services since December 2022. In a mobile network, 1&1 will compete with Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica Deutschland.
