With an interactive map on the Internet, the industry association Bitkom is trying to accelerate the expansion of mobile networks in Germany. In addition, the digital association hopes to create more transparency with its action for the problems that slow down the expansion of the networks.
More than 1200 problematic locations for radio masts are noted in it, it is said by Bitkom. The data has been compiled by the network operators Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and Telefónica.
"Official procedures or missing locations for the construction of mobile radio systems lead too often to the fact that dead spots can not be closed," said Bitkom CEO Bernhard Rohleder on Tuesday.
Seven years location search
The biggest obstacles in the search for suitable locations are therefore in a sluggish location reconciliation, in complex building applications and lengthy approval procedures, for example, for reasons of construction and nature conservation or heritage protection.
For each of the 1,200 locations listed, the map shows detailed information such as the location, the cause of the delay and the duration of the delay. In individual cases, it is stated that, for example, the search for a new radio mast has been unsuccessful for more than seven years. On average, at least two years would pass before a new mobile communications system could be put into operation, according to Bitkom.
The most common reason for delays arises from difficulties in finding suitable locations for new mobile stations. The network operators have therefore found no suitable land or buildings in more than 537 locations. Citizens, authorities and companies would have an "opportunity to comment on individual procedures and to offer suitable mobile radio sites", said Rohleder.
Close dead spots with mobile masts
In 374 cases, however, "lengthy approval procedures" were responsible for the delays. Most of these are questions that arise from nature conservation, listed buildings or building law.
To simplify the search for suitable land, the Bitkom proposes, among other things, to provide the providers with access to the land registers of the respective communities, so that they can address owners directly. In addition, the municipalities themselves should provide public buildings and land for mobile communications.
In addition, the association proposes to limit the deadlines for approvals or comments of the competent authorities to one month. To bridge the time to approval of a new mobile site, it should also allow mobile operators to close dead spots for a period of up to two years using mobile radio masts.