The implementation and commissioning of mobile radio systems is often a time-consuming and complex process. There are various steps in the process chain to consider: From the search for a location, through the application and approval process, to the actual construction of the new mobile radio installation. A process that can take a lot of time.
The Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Transformation and Digitization has developed the Mobile Communications Toolbox to accelerate the expansion of mobile communications. This new service offers local authorities and companies involved in the expansion bundled, relevant information on mobile network expansion and is also intended to simplify cooperation on site.
“Our goal is to make mobile communications available throughout Rhineland-Palatinate – and this is best achieved when all stakeholders involved in the expansion work closely together. With the mobile communications toolbox, we are strengthening cooperation between the state, municipalities and telecommunications companies and driving the expansion forward,” explained Digitalization Minister Dörte Schall at the presentation of the mobile communications toolbox in Bad Sobernheim.
The mobile communications toolbox originated from a pilot project initiated by the Clearingstelle Mobilfunk in the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Transformation and Digitalization of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate in the district of Bad Kreuznach in cooperation with Vodafone and Vantage Towers. The aim of the cooperation was to identify obstacles in the process of setting up mobile communications installations and to develop measures to accelerate the expansion.
“The pilot district of Bad Kreuznach shows how important it is for the state, local authorities and companies to pull together when it comes to expanding the mobile network. This can and must continue if we want to close the last gaps in coverage in the state in the coming years, because experience has shown that the last gaps are the most difficult. With its low mountain regions, deep valleys and dense forests, Rhineland-Palatinate continues to be a particularly challenging landscape for mobile network expansion. We therefore must not and will not let up in our joint efforts,” emphasized Schall.
Together with aconium GmbH, which has been advising and supporting the clearing house in all matters relating to mobile communications since August 2023, a service offering with a wealth of information and support measures was developed.
“Network operators are increasingly faced with the challenge of pushing ahead with expansion in areas that are difficult to develop, where suitable properties are only available to a limited extent and the topography is challenging. This leads to an increased coordination effort for the companies. The mobile communications toolbox was created to accelerate the expansion of mobile communications and support companies in this challenging task. It provides a wide range of tools and services to make expansion easier for network operators,” says Andreas Schröder, mobile communications expert at aconium.
The centerpiece of the mobile communications toolbox is the location detector. Here, public or private owners of buildings and land in Rhineland-Palatinate can offer their properties for mobile communications expansion. Another highlight is a step-by-step guide to the application and approval process for mobile communications installations in Rhineland-Palatinate. In addition, overviews of the mobile communications market as well as contact persons for the expanding companies and the responsible municipal authorities are provided.
The offer is aimed at all stakeholders involved in the realization process of mobile radio installations. These include mobile communications companies, construction companies, representatives of local authorities and forestry administrations. The toolbox is also available to citizens, who can use it to obtain information on the expansion of mobile communications.