The European Commission authorised on Wednesday 16 December a €55 million German scheme to support the roll-out of infrastructure for mobile communication services in German Land of Brandenburg
For Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President responsible for Competition Policy, this scheme “will support access to mobile services in remote, underserved areas of the Land of Brandenburg”.
The public support will cover the deployment of passive infrastructure (masts, dark fibre, ducts, electricity connections) for mobile communications services (mobile voice and data).
The scheme aims to support the provision of at least 4G mobile capabilities in areas where no mobile communication services are currently available or where only 2G mobile capabilities are in place, and where no private company is expected to invest within the next three years.
Mobile network operators ('MNOs') as well as specialised construction companies will receive funds in the form of direct grants to build and/or operate the mobile infrastructure. The aid will be awarded based on open, transparent and non-discriminatory tenders. The use of the supported infrastructure will be open to all interested MNOs and the scheme will bring about a significant improvement in connectivity. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)