Re-launch for 5G proceedings starts with consultation on next steps
Year of issue 2025
Date of issue 2025.12.01
The Bundesnetzagentur is re-launching the 5G spectrum award proceedings with today’s publication of an initial written consultation on the further steps.
"We’re rolling out the 5G proceedings again. We will explore the next steps in an open discussion with all stakeholders,"
said Klaus Müller, President of the Bundesnetzagentur. "The key thing is for the mobile networks in Germany to continue their rapid expansion. The 5G award decision and the frequency assignments to the undertakings remain valid until they are revoked and re-issued by the Bundesnetzagentur."
A new decision is to be made on the rules for the award of the spectrum at 2 GHz and 3.6 GHz. This is necessary due to the Federal Administrative Court’s decision to dismiss the Bundesnetzagentur’s complaints against the refusal to grant leave to appeal on points of law against the decisions made by Cologne Administrative Court in 2024 on the 5G spectrum award decision. In these decisions, which are now final and absolute, Cologne Administrative Court had ruled that the Bundesnetzagentur’s 5G decision issued in 2018 on the award conditions and auction rules was not lawful. It had also required the Bundesnetzagentur to issue a new decision.
The Bundesnetzagentur’s consultation is the first step in the re-launched 5G proceedings. The Bundesnetzagentur’s objective is to create clarity as soon as possible about the further course of the proceedings.
It will align its approach closely with the rulings of the Administrative Court.
Stakeholders have the opportunity until 12 January 2026 to take part in the consultation and present their interests.
More information about the proceedings for the provision of the mobile spectrum can be found here: www.bundesnetzagentur.de.