Electronic Communications Services
Spectrum for wireless access for the provision of telecommunications services
Future available spectrum
Points of orientation and demand survey for the provision of the 800 MHz, 1,800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum for the rollout of digital infrastructures
The current usage rights for spectrum in the bands at 800 MHz, 1,800 MHz and 2.6 GHz will be expiring at the end of 2025. The Bundesnetzagentur has developed points of orientation on the basis of the responses to the scenario paper with a view to ensuring continuity of coverage and to giving the companies concerned and other affected parties the necessary planning and investment certainty.
The points of orientation are intended to describe the circumstances relevant to the decision-making process and formulate areas where clarification is needed. They are therefore combined with an initial demand survey. The aim of this is to form a base upon which to determine the next steps for an objective, transparent and non-discriminatory process for the provision of spectrum. The aim of this demand survey is to examine signs of possible spectrum scarcity.
The deadline for comments (Stellungnahmen) was 21 March 2022.
The points of orientation and demand survey in English is available to download below. The German version is binding.
Stellungnahmen zu den Orientierungspunkten 2022 (zip / 49 MB) (German only)
Principles and scenarios for the provision of the 800 MHz, 1.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum
Improving broadband coverage in Germany is closely linked to making suitable spectrum available for rolling out high-performance mobile networks.
The spectrum usage rights in the bands at 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz and some of the usage rights in the band at 1.8 GHz will be expiring at the end of 2025. It is therefore necessary to find out as soon as possible how best to provide the freed-up spectrum for use from 2026.
The Bundesnetzagentur's focus is on improving broadband coverage, particularly in rural areas.
The Bundesnetzagentur is consulting on its principles and scenarios for the provision of the spectrum with the aim of exploring the next possible steps.
The deadline for comments (Stellungnahmen) was 23 August 2021.
Szenarios paper 2021 (pdf / 348 KB)
Stellungnahmen zum Szenarienpapier 2021 (Stand 08.10.2021) (zip / 29 MB) (German only)
Spectrum compass 2020
Mobile communications account for a key proportion of telecommunications traffic and mobile data traffic is growing. High-speed mobile networks are needed to manage this growth. Suitable spectrum is a fundamental resource for these mobile networks.
The "Spectrum compass 2020" presents initial considerations on the future availability of spectrum for mobile communications in light of the fact that spectrum usage rights in the frequency bands relevant to mobile communications at 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz will be expiring on 31 December 2025. The expiry of spectrum usage rights must not lead to a standstill in network roll-out. The spectrum must therefore be re-provided at an early stage. Decisions need to be taken as to which spectrum should be included in the future award proceedings and which conditions should be attached to the spectrum usage rights. The Bundesnetzagentur will therefore open proceedings for the future provision of spectrum in good time before spectrum usage rights expire in order to create maximum planning and investment certainty for companies.
The intention behind the "Spectrum compass 2020" is to enable all interested stakeholders to take part at an early stage in the discussion about the provision of newly available spectrum for mobile communications. As the next step, the Bundesnetzagentur plans to look closely at various options for providing the mobile spectrum.
The Bundesnetzagentur asked interested stakeholders to submit comments (Stellungnahmen) on the "Spectrum compass 2020" in German by 23 October 2020.
Spectrum Compass 2020 (pdf / 566 KB)
Stellungnahmen zum Frequenzkompass 2020 (zip / 11 MB)