Federal Council approves local roaming to close mobile functions in rural areas

Federal Council approves local roaming to close mobile functions in rural areas

Federal Council approves local roaming to close mobile functions in rural areas

In its meeting on September 27, 2024, the Federal Council approved the motion for resolution of the state of Baden-Württemberg, which is intended to advance the expansion of the telecommunications networks. The aim is to introduce local roaming as a temporary solution to minimize the so -called "gray spots" regions without comprehensive mobile phone supply - especially in rural areas. The Minister of Nutrition, Rural Area and Consumer Protection, Peter Hauk, welcomed the decision as an essential step for the development of rural areas and improving internet availability.

The mobile network in Germany is currently affected by considerable supply bottlenecks. Gray spots are understood to mean areas in which mobile data are only available from some providers, but not by everyone. The minister made it clear that a rapid closure of these gaps was necessary to increase the quality of life in rural communities.

Introduction of local roaming: What does that mean?

Local roaming enables users to use another provider's radio network if the network is not available. In the future, the Federal Network Agency will have the opportunity to arrange local roaming for certain regions and periods, especially if the existing providers are unable to solve the care problems themselves. This measure should serve as a temporary solution until the mobile phone network is completely expanded.

Possible effects of the decision

The approval of local roaming could have far -reaching positive effects on mobile phone supply in rural areas.

1. improved network coverage : The local roaming will make residents of regions with insufficient care able to access the mobile phone networks of several providers at any time. This could be of great benefit in particular for working people and companies in rural areas.

2. economic opportunities : A more stable internet connection not only promotes the quality of life of the residents, but could also encourage companies to locate themselves in less central locations. The availability of a reliable internet connection can thus contribute to the economic revival of rural areas, which in turn creates jobs.

3. digital integration : Especially at a time when home office and digital services play an increasingly central role, improved mobile phone coverage could help reduce digital deficit of rural communities and to accelerate their integration into digital society.

4. Print on mobile operator : The decision could persuade mobile phone providers to increase their investments in expanding their own infrastructure in order to secure a competitive advantage and to eliminate the previously existing "gray spots".
Despite the promising advantages, however, it remains to be seen how efficiently the implementation of this regulation will take place and whether the Federal Network Agency quickly puts the necessary steps into practice. The reliance on local roaming solutions should not remain permanently, but rather regarded as a first step towards the long-term improvement of the infrastructure. Long -term planning and investments have to follow to ensure mobile phone supply across Germany.