For the first Time could be given a fine at a mobile operator, because the LTE network has too many dead spots. The Federal network Agency has set up Telefónica Germany on Thursday is a last deadline until the end of July. If the missing radio does not stand for masts up to then, a penalty of 600,000 euros.
Helmut Bünder
economic correspondent in Düsseldorf.
F. A. Z.
in order for the market supervision exhausts the possible sanctions framework against the O2 provider only to a small part. Up to 10 million Euro penalty it may impose for violations of the supply constraints from the frequency auctions.
“We recognize that Telefónica Germany has made a great effort and there were objective obstacles, to meet the requirements,” said network Agency President Jochen Homann, the F. A. Z. By means of the Corona-crisis deliveries of important components for the antennas failed. Usually, nThe components of a Nokia factory in India, which had to temporarily close come. Also, some foreign construction crews could not compete.
From the until the end of June given the new 3040 mobile stations of the group are not able to take according to the network Agency, therefore, around a Quarter into operation on time. “We will keep up the pressure,” said Homann.
Despite the low amount, the penalty threat of deploying a deterrent effect. More important than the height, the public perception is for the mobile operator. “Our concern is that the expansion targets are achieved, not the highest possible amounts”.
For Telekom and Vodafone, it looks better
Telefónica is already significantly in arrears. In the LTE frequency auction of 2015, the company, as well as the German Telekom and Vodafone had committed to provide up to the beginning of this year in every province at least 97 percent of the households with fast cellular. In addition, each operator must, motorways and main pathways seemed to operate.
The O2-the provider back on significantly. A Review by the network Agency revealed in April that a total of 7600 radio masts were missing. A phased plan is to ensure that the Expansion until the year is completed by the end of. The network Agency had received the assurance that the success will, said Homann. After the intermediate examination at the end of July the next check the Progress of construction is expected in September.