EQS-News: Decision on Frequency Allocation

Decision on Frequency Allocation

Montabaur, 24 March 2025. The Federal Network Agency announced its decision today regarding the allocation of low- and mid-band frequencies that will become available from January 2026. The decision is largely based on the consultation draft published in May 2024 and provides for an extension of existing frequency usage rights for Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and Telefónica.

This extension is subject to the obligation that Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefónica must grant 1&1 access to part of their low-band spectrum for shared use. To achieve this, the authority obliges the incumbent network operators to negotiate fairly with 1&1. If 1&1 is not granted access to low-band frequencies by 1 January 2026, the Federal Network Agency reserves the right to enforce access.

“To avoid unnecessary delays in negotiations for access to these crucial frequencies below 1 GHz, we are reaching out immediately to Telekom, Vodafone and Telefónica. It is essential that we, too, have access to a sufficiently large share of frequencies to adequately serve our more than 12 million customers. We are confident that this will be achieved and trust in fair offers as well as the support of the Federal Network Agency. However, it should not be forgotten that extending large portions of frequency licences effectively amounts to a one-sided subsidy for our three competitors. This must be offset, at the latest, in the next frequency allocation round with equivalent conditions for us as the fourth network operator, ensuring sustainable competition on a level playing field,” said Ralph Dommermuth, CEO of 1&1 AG.

In the 2019 5G auction, 1&1 laid the foundation for Germany’s fourth mobile network, securing its first frequency spectrum for over €1 billion. Today, 1&1 operates Europe’s first mobile network based on innovative Open-RAN-technology, independent of dominant manufacturers like HUAWEI and fully prepared for real-time applications. The 1&1 O-RAN network continues to expand daily. It already serves over six million customers, and by the end of this year, more than 12 million customers will be using the 1&1 mobile network.

About 1&1 AG

1&1 AG is a listed telecommunications provider domiciled in Montabaur. The Company is a member of the United Internet AG corporate group.

1&1 is the first network operator in Europe to operate a fully virtualised mobile network based on innovative Open-RAN-technology. In addition to a comprehensive portfolio of mobile communications products, the Company offers broadband lines, most of which are based on 1&1 Versatel’s Germany-wide fibre optic transport network, and added-value applications such as home networking/smart home, online storage, video-on-demand and IPTV.

While the 1&1 brand addresses value and premium segments, the Group’s discount brands appeal to price-conscious target groups.

Press Contact
Thomas Kahmann
E-mail: presse@1und1.de