VATM calls for binding rules on electricity connections for new mobile sites ahead of parliamentary expert hearing

Ahead of tomorrow’s expert hearing in the Bundestag on the grid connection package, VATM is calling for mobile sites to be given legally binding priority when connecting to the electricity grid, and for operators to receive reliable information on connection timescales and costs. The German federal states have identified critical gaps in the draft legislation and called for specific amendments in the Bundesrat. VATM expects the Bundestag to act on these demands.

“Anyone seeking to achieve near-nationwide mobile coverage by 2030 must not allow electricity connections for new sites to become a bottleneck in network roll-out,” says Valentina Daiber, President of VATM. “The federal states have recognised the risk and set out a clear way forward. The Bundestag must now act and incorporate the Bundesrat’s demands into the legislation.”

Under the current government draft, electricity network operators must identify suitable connection points for a planned mobile site within one month. In VATM’s view, this is a first step, but it does not go far enough. “What is missing is a set of binding rules governing the actual connection,” Daiber criticises. “Operators need to know not only where a connection is possible, but also when it will be provided and what costs they will face.”

Mobile coverage in Germany is already exceptionally good. However, achieving near-complete geographical coverage will require additional sites, particularly in areas where network roll-out is especially challenging. “The final gaps in coverage are particularly costly and difficult to close,” the VATM President emphasises. “A mast that has been built but has no electricity supply does not extend coverage by a single square metre.”

The Federal Network Agency requires 99.5 per cent geographical coverage by the end of 2029. VATM is therefore calling for mobile sites to receive priority when being connected to the electricity grid. The existing prioritisation framework under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) could serve as a model.

“The federal states have done their part and made it clear what is missing from the draft legislation. The Bundestag must now close this gap and enshrine priority electricity connections for new mobile sites in law. The current requirement to provide information must be transformed into an effective mechanism for accelerating connections, so that new mobile sites can be connected to the electricity grid quickly and according to a reliable timetable,” Daiber concludes.