Dead spots en masse: Osterholz-Scharmbeck remains a mobile communications stronghold!

Dead spots en masse: Osterholz-Scharmbeck remains a mobile communications stronghold!

Whether in the city or in the country – cell phone users know the problem of dead spots all too well. However, there are important figures on the agenda this summer that could shed light on mobile phone coverage. The mobile communications measurement week took place in Germany from May 26th to June 1st, 2023. This initiative, supported by federal, state and local governments, was intended to help check cell phone reception and identify problematic dead spots, especially in rural and topographically challenging regions. With this campaign, participants have the opportunity to document their mobile phone experiences using a free app from the Federal Network Agency. Weser Kurier explains that the data collected flows anonymously into an interactive radio hole map from the Federal Network Agency.

The measurements have shown that the Osterholz district is not exactly considered a model area for stable mobile phone connections. With a total of 400,000 measuring points recorded, 45.7% of locations reject 5G and 52.3% reject 4G. Compared to neighboring Lilienthal, which has 42% 5G, the values ​​in Osterholz seem to be relatively weak. The high number of dead spots is particularly noticeable: 1,058 dead spots were located in Osterholz-Scharmbeck, far more than in comparable cities such as Hambergen (560) or Gnarrenburg (431). The numbers speak for themselves – there is a need for action here.

The nationwide mobile phone measurement

The nationwide mobile communications measurement week 2025, which is scheduled to take place between May 26th and June 1st, also focused on recording coverage gaps. The aim of this campaign is to ensure greater transparency about network gaps and general network performance. Bundesnetzagentur reports that this initiative was supported by well-known politicians such as the Federal Digital Minister Dr. Karsten Wildberger and the Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer. These emphasize the importance of these measurements, especially for rural areas where network coverage often leaves something to be desired.

The organizers want to use a broad mobile phone analysis to collect and evaluate coverage data from various mobile phone providers. A current analysis showed that 97.53% of the area in Germany is covered by 4G and 93.85% even offer access to 5G. Nevertheless, 14% of the federal territory is recognized as “gray spots” where there is a network, but not from all providers. In 2.1% of the area, mobile phone networks are not covered at all.

A look at the challenges

The Mobile Phone Measurement Week not only created awareness of these problems, but also emphasized the need for a structured and comprehensive evaluation. With over 150,000 participants, the Federal Network Agency was able to build up a rich data pool that should make it possible to check the supply data reported by the network operators. [DW].

An important goal of the initiative is to improve the legal framework for network expansion. An amendment to the Telecommunications Act was therefore approved, which legally establishes the priority of network expansion. The rapid implementation of these measures is now the focus of politicians in order to address the challenges of network expansion more effectively.

With these developments, it will be exciting to see how mobile communications coverage in Germany will continue to develop. An expanded network is not only important for users, but also for the economy - because where the network is weak, there are often problems for companies too. A good hand in implementation is required here!