Germany's 1&1 far behind target for closing connectivity gaps - newspaper

United Internet AG

25/05/2023 12:00

BERLIN, May 25 (Reuters) - German telecommunications
provider 1&1 is even further behind on its targets for closing
gaps in the network than previously thought, a newspaper
reported on Thursday.
    The United Internet  UTDI.DE  subsidiary had previously
agreed with the government to build infrastructure in 400
problem areas identified as lacking mobile phone coverage.
    However, a spokesperson said work was only complete in seven
of those areas and that 32 radio towers were under construction,
according to Handelsblatt.
    The deadline for building the towers - originally set for
Dec. 31, 2021 - has been extended indefinitely by the ministry
responsible for digital infrastructure, the report said.
However, the ministry has lowered its expectations to a maximum
of 200 additional tower locations due to increased costs.
    1&1 is already facing a potential fine from Germany's
network regulator for a lack of progress in its 5G offering.

 (Reporting by Hakan Ersen, Writing by Rachel More;
Editing by Madeline Chambers)
 ((rachel.more@thomsonreuters.com;))