Telefonica Germany (O2 Telefonica) has entered into a cooperation agreement with Autobahn, the company managing highways, and the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport to expand the 5G network along highways. Telefonica aims to enhance mobile connectivity by deploying 5G technology along the 13,200-kilometer motorway network to accommodate increasing mobile data traffic.
Expanding the 5G Network
Telefonica stated that Autobahn will identify and provide suitable federal areas along the motorways, including rest areas and its own properties, for the necessary new locations. The partners will also revisit and assess sites previously deemed unsuitable or rejected in past approval procedures.
Nationwide 5G Network on Motorways
Commenting on the cooperation, Autobahn said, “Autobahn GmbH and O2 Telefonica are working together to build a nationwide 5G network on the motorways. Not only will telephone conversations along the motorways become more reliable, but powerful, nationwide networks will also enable new possibilities for networking between vehicles and with the infrastructure. This creates more safety and comfort for travelers on the motorway and is also a driving force for innovation and competition.”
Accelerating Network Expansion
“The agreement enables O2 Telefonica to accelerate the expansion of the network along the motorways. Together with Autobahn GmbH, we aim to identify and eliminate obstacles in the approval process quickly and open up suitable properties for the construction of new mobile phone locations. This benefits our approximately 45 million customers when they are on the federal highways. Our goal is clear: nationwide 5G coverage along the German motorways,” O2 Telefonica added.
The Federal Autobahn GmbH is responsible for the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, financing, traffic management, and asset management of the federal motorways. Telefonica Germany reported that in 2023 alone, it deployed the 5G network along an additional 1,500 kilometers of motorways.
