The cabinet removes hurdles in the expansion of mobile communications, and certain masts should be able to be erected in the future without permission. Economics Minister Aiwanger reprimands the network operators that the “cosy course” is over.
from
John Osel
In order to accelerate the expansion of mobile communications, the state government is removing hurdles in the Bavarian building code. In a pact for digital infrastructure, the Free State, mobile phone operators and municipal umbrella organizations had already agreed on measures last year, and the necessary changes have now been approved, it said on Tuesday after a cabinet meeting. The nationwide supply of mobile communications is “essential for the business location and the quality of life and security of the people”. In the future, there will no longer be a distance requirement for masts away from settlements. In addition, masts can be erected there up to a height of 20 meters without planning permission, indoors it is 15 meters; each five meters more than before. For temporary masts to close a supply gap, the course is set “quickly and unbureaucratically”, said Building Minister Christian Bernreiter (CSU). “There are no compromises when it comes to safety.”
Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) had already accused the network operators of incomplete supply the day before. Measurements commissioned by his company along federal highways and railway lines showed that supply requirements were not being met. The Federal Network Agency must therefore “examine penalties to the network operators”. Particular deficits were found, for example, on the railway lines from Munich East to Freilassing and from Nuremberg to Hof. Problematic according to Aiwanger: If a section of one supplied to the operator, the condition is considered fulfilled – the “patchwork” is of no use to customers. After the cabinet, Aiwanger renewed his criticism of the “blank spots”. The “cuddle course” with the operators has now ended.