Launch of 5G service
United Internet’s mobile subsidiary, 1&1, is preparing for the launch of its mobile 5G service on December 8, with just 100 operational antennas, according to a German newspaper article. For the rollout, the company has partnered with Japanese firm Rakuten, which is also developing a network in Japan. As 1&1 embarks on this milestone event, the company aims to expand its 5G coverage across Germany by deploying more antennas progressively throughout 2023. With the backing of Rakuten’s technological expertise, 1&1’s upcoming 5G network is poised to bring high-speed connectivity and improved user experiences to its customers.
License requirements and challenges
While license requirements mandated 1,000 active sites by the end of last year, 1&1 only had 20 sites functioning in May. United Internet CEO Ralph Dommermuth has blamed Vodafone, which promised to provide access to thousands of mobile sites for 1&1 via its subsidiary Vantage Towers, for this shortfall. The lack of access to the agreed-upon number of sites has severely impacted 1&1’s ability to meet the license requirements and expand their network coverage.
Dommermuth’s appeal to Vodafone and Vantage Towers
As a result, Dommermuth is urging Vodafone and Vantage Towers to honor their commitment and provide the necessary infrastructure for 1&1 to reach the mandated number of active sites. Nonetheless, 1&1 remains devoted to its long-term goals, aiming to offer 5G coverage to almost a quarter of Germany’s population by 2025 and to 50% by 2030.
Strategies for achieving ambitious goals
To achieve these ambitious targets, the company plans to invest heavily in infrastructure and pursue strategic partnerships with leading network providers. Additionally, they will focus on delivering innovative solutions and superior customer experience to gain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape.
Antenna requirements and expansion
In order to achieve this, the company will likely require more than a few thousand antennas. This large quantity of antennas will provide the advantage of enhancing the overall system capacity and ensuring seamless coverage in the targeted areas. Additionally, this expansion will allow the company to accommodate a higher number of users, while maintaining optimal network performance and improving their overall customer experience.
Comparison with industry leader Deutsche Telekom
For comparison, Deutsche Telekom, the leading provider, stated that it had covered around 50% of the population with 30,000 antennas. In contrast, smaller telecommunications companies have struggled to achieve such widespread coverage. As a result, these companies are focusing on partnering with larger providers to expand their networks and better serve their customers.
Scaling up antenna installations for coverage target
Based on this number, 1&1 would need to install over 4,000 antennas annually until 2030 to match Deutsche Telekom’s 2020 coverage level. To achieve this ambitious goal, 1&1 must strategically plan their antenna deployments, focusing heavily on rural areas and underserved regions where coverage disparity is more profound.
Collaborations for efficient installations
Collaborating with local authorities, businesses, and communities will be crucial in ensuring timely and efficient installations while addressing the pressing need for improved connectivity. This comprehensive approach will help 1&1 in realizing its long-term objectives, providing better 5G coverage across Germany, and emerging as a strong contender in the competitive telecommunications market.
First Reported on: lightreading.com
Frequently Asked Questions
When is 1&1 launching its 5G service?
1&1 is planning to launch its mobile 5G service on December 8.
Which company is 1&1 partnering with for the rollout?
1&1 has partnered with Japanese firm Rakuten for the 5G rollout.
What is the main challenge faced by 1&1 in meeting the license requirements?
The main challenge faced by 1&1 is the lack of access to the agreed-upon number of mobile sites from Vodafone, via its subsidiary Vantage Towers.
What percentage of Germany’s population does 1&1 aim to cover with 5G by 2025 and 2030?
1&1 aims to offer 5G coverage to almost a quarter of Germany’s population by 2025 and to 50% by 2030.
What strategies will 1&1 use to achieve their ambitious goals?
1&1 plans to invest heavily in infrastructure, pursue strategic partnerships with leading network providers, and focus on delivering innovative solutions and superior customer experiences.
How many antennas will 1&1 need to install annually to match Deutsche Telekom’s 2020 coverage level?
1&1 would need to install over 4,000 antennas annually until 2030 to match Deutsche Telekom’s 2020 coverage level.
Why are collaborations important for efficient antenna installations?
Collaborations with local authorities, businesses, and communities will ensure timely and efficient installations while addressing the pressing need for improved connectivity.
