1&1’s 5G Network Surpasses 10 Million Users Amid Challenges

In a remarkable achievement for the telecommunications industry, 1&1 has announced that its 5G network has surpassed 10 million users, marking one of the fastest growth trajectories in Europe. This milestone, reached despite significant initial hurdles, highlights the company’s rapid expansion since launching its own services at the end of 2023.

With a user base now exceeding the population of Austria, 1&1 aims to reach 12 million users by the end of the year. The company’s CEO, Michael Martin, attributes this success to the performance and reliability of their infrastructure, which is based on innovative open-ran technology.

Strategic Migration and Technological Innovation

The rapid growth of 1&1’s 5G network is largely due to a strategic migration of existing customers from the networks of Telefónica and Vodafone. This process, which involves moving up to 50,000 customers daily, is considered the largest network migration in Germany. It is executed with minimal disruption to users, as most switches occur overnight.

Technologically, 1&1’s reliance on open-ran technology allows for greater flexibility. By utilizing software-driven network functions within a cloud infrastructure, the company can quickly adapt to new requirements and improve efficiency. According to TÜV Rheinland, 1&1’s network operates 10 to 30 percent more efficiently than traditional mobile networks.

Overcoming Initial Challenges

The path to reaching this milestone was not without obstacles. Initially, 1&1 struggled to meet the Federal Network Agency’s requirement of having at least 1,000 active 5G stations by the end of 2022. By early 2023, only a few stations were operational, prompting an official procedure against the company.

Compounding these issues was a dispute with infrastructure partners. The Federal Cartel Office investigated allegations that Vodafone and its subsidiary, Vantage Towers, were deliberately obstructing 1&1’s network expansion—a claim that continues to echo in the industry. Additionally, a significant network disruption last year lasted over three days, forcing 1&1 to compensate affected customers.

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Efficiency

Despite these challenges, 1&1’s achievements in building its 5G network are noteworthy. The company’s commitment to energy efficiency and technological innovation positions it well for future growth. As the network continues to expand, 1&1 is poised to become a formidable player in the European telecommunications landscape.

The company’s strategy and execution offer valuable lessons for other operators aiming to build and expand their networks rapidly. With the industry closely watching, 1&1’s next steps will likely influence future developments in mobile network technology and infrastructure.

“10 million users are clear evidence of the performance and reliability of our infrastructure based on the new open-ran technology—there will be over 12 million by the end of the year.” – Michael Martin, CEO of 1&1 Mobilfunk GmbH

As 1&1 continues its aggressive expansion, the company remains focused on overcoming past challenges and setting new benchmarks in network performance and customer satisfaction. The future of 1&1’s 5G network looks promising, with potential implications for the broader telecommunications industry.

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