According to Telekom companies, the reasons for the coverage gaps in the German mobile network criticized by the regulator are beyond their control. Telefonica Deutschland and Vodafone announced on Monday that they had met the expansion targets of the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) wherever this was legally and factually possible. Only in isolated locations had it not been possible to erect mobile phone masts. Deutsche Telekom could not initially be reached for comment.

The BNetzA initiated fine proceedings against the three companies in September "for culpable failure to fully comply with the coverage requirements in good time". This is according to a report obtained by the Reuters news agency. The companies concerned now have the opportunity to make an official statement. At the same time, the companies have been granted a grace period until the middle of next year to fully comply with the requirements. A spokesperson for the authorities would not provide any information on the amount of possible fines.

At the same time, further fine proceedings are underway against 1&1. The United Internet subsidiary is lagging far behind the requirements in setting up its own mobile network. 1&1 has since submitted a statement. This is currently being reviewed.

(Report by Hakan Ersen; Edited by Hans Busemann If you have any questions, please contact our editorial team at berlin.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (for politics and the economy) or frankfurt.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (for companies and markets).)