The new Telecommunications Act came into force on December 1st, 2021. The federal government had already introduced the draft law to modernize the Telecommunications Act in April 2021, which was approved by the majority. According to this, the fundamental goal is to accelerate the expansion of gigabit networks by unifying the legal framework for telecommunications services in the EU. The framework conditions are intended to create incentives for companies to expand quickly and across the board. The Federal Network Agency allocates mobile phone frequencies and allocates broadcasting frequencies. A modernization of the legal framework to shorten and simplify the approval procedures is also planned.
In the following we will introduce you to some innovations that affect our customers and our software environment.
The new telecommunications law
The innovations bring with them numerous changes for network operators. Furthermore, the rights of end consumers are fundamentally strengthened.
An important innovation in the Telecommunications Act is the right to fast internet. Previously there was only the right to a telephone connection. If the goals of the expansion are not achieved, the Federal Network Agency may actively intervene and oblige a provider to expand, with the costs being passed on to all local providers.
There are numerous innovations in the area of customer protection. Public utilities and carriers should adapt their documents and invoices so that notice periods, terms and fees are visible. Before concluding the contract, the customer must receive a clear and easy-to-read contract summary. Furthermore, there is only a one-time 24-month term. After the tacit extension, the end user has the right to terminate the contract at the end of the month.
For the first time, the Federal Network Agency is defining a document standard, in this case for EVNs (individual connection records). What is also new is that the contract term is no longer valid if something is changed in the terms and conditions to the detriment of the customer. Thereafter, according to the Telecommunications Act, there is a 3-month notice period.
If relocation the end consumer can continue the services for the same term, provided they are also offered at the new location. The provider can charge a processing fee for this, which must, however, be lower than a new connection. If an end consumer moves and the provider cannot offer the services at the new location, the consumer has the option of canceling the contract with one month's notice.
Simplifications for expanding companies
The laying rights are now simplified for the expanding companies. Trenching is therefore possible across the board. This allows companies to lay communication cables relatively quickly and inexpensively in milled grooves in streets or sidewalks. Furthermore, the introduction of a database for planning and information tools is intended to simplify expansion. The bureaucratic costs for expanding companies should also be reduced in the future.
In principle, the Telecommunications Act provides for nationwide coverage of 4 G by the end of 2026. When allocating frequencies, the BNetzA can formulate additional provisions and issue orders for common users.
In addition, for the first time, fees for service services/telephone numbers will be set by law in order to protect end consumers from increased fees in waiting queues etc. After a presentation by Lars Weyerstraß, Managing Director of WeyTeCon and moderator of the plenary sessions of AKNN (Working group for technical and operational issues relating to numbering and network interconnection).