The commissioning of the first mobile phone mast of the Funkmasten-Infrastrukturgesellschaft in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern not only marks the start of a whole series of start-ups, but also sets an example for the successful state-owned mobile communication expansion in the federal state in order to provide even the most remote corners of the districts with fast internet.
With a symbolic push of a button, the 50-metre-high mast between Göllin and Glambeck in the district of Rostock was put into operation together with the technical infrastructure. This milestone not only means a better quality of life at home for remote addresses, but also the comprehensive development of underserved areas and the prerequisite for a future-proof 5G expansion.
Christian Pegel, Minister of the Interior, Construction and Digitalization of the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Mayor Birgit Czarschka, FMI Managing Director Daniela Degen-Lesske, aconium Managing Director Tim Brauckmüller and representatives of the planning and construction companies as well as numerous guests came to Bernitt for this important event of commissioning on 30.09.2022.
“The commissioning of the first radio mast, which was erected on behalf of the state, is an important milestone on the way to nationwide mobile phone coverage in the rural areas of our federal state. I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and the rapid implementation of this project,” said Interior Minister Christian Pegel, adding: “I had originally hoped that we would be able to put the state’s mobile phone mast into operation even faster. But twelve months between submitting the building application on September 16, 2021 and commissioning today is already very fast… compared to how long such projects usually take.”
According to the Minister of the Interior, three further mobile phone masts – two in the district of Rostock and one in the district of the Mecklenburgische Seenplatte – are already being planned on behalf of the state. This shows how important a fast connection and rapid project implementation are, even in areas where there is no private-sector expansion.
“We are very pleased that this radio mast will significantly improve mobile phone coverage in our community. It’s not just about making phone calls. It is important for the economy, agriculture, for working from home, for families settling here and for the notification of emergency services. Sending photos and viewing messages and videos on a cell phone is also part of the digital age. A functioning mobile network is part of participating in social life and learning,” said Birgit Czarschka.
aconium Managing Director Tim Brauckmüller particularly praised the cooperation between network operators and politicians: “We were able to accompany MV from the initial analysis, through the foundation to the first mast construction and today’s commissioning, and I am delighted that this shows how the public and private sectors can work together.”
The Funkmasten-Infrastrukturgesellschaft Mecklenburg-Vorpommern mbH (FMI) was founded in 2020 on the basis of a resolution passed by the state parliament at the end of 2019. As a subsidiary of Landgesellschaft Mecklenburg-Vorpommern mbH, its purpose is to ensure that masts are erected using state funds in regions of the state where mobile network operators do not build masts due to a lack of economic incentive. 40 million in state funds are available for the expansion program.