The industry association’s implementation monitoring highlights patchy adoption of measures designed to speed mobile network expansion across federal states
Germany’s attempt to accelerate its mobile network expansion continues to be held back by lengthy and inconsistent approval processes, with significant potential still unrealised across the federal states, according to Bitkom’s latest implementation monitoring (as of November 2025). While federal and state governments have adopted elements of the Gigabitstrategie and the Deutschlandpakt, Bitkom finds that many of the most important measures for mobile networks are either only partially implemented or yet to begin.
Delays in the rollout of new mobile sites remain widespread, driven by slow site searches and permits that can stretch well beyond a year in some states. Bitkom notes that more than 90% of planning applications are ultimately approved, yet the time taken to achieve these approvals continues to hinder coverage improvements. With operators still required to meet extensive obligations for traffic routes and remaining “white spots” (not-spots), the association argues that accelerated processes are essential to meet national goals.
One of the central bottlenecks is mast height regulation. Bitkom reports that raising permit-free height thresholds in both urban and regional areas would significantly reduce the volume of permit applications. Urban mast heights of at least 15 metres are needed to support technologies such as beamforming, while in regional areas, where operators must meet wide-area coverage commitments, exemption thresholds should increase to 20 metres. Only a handful of states, including North Rhine–Westphalia, have begun to move in this direction.
The association also highlights the importance of removing friction for mobile temporary sites, which often fill gaps while operators seek long-term locations. At present, these structures are only permit-free for up to three months. Bitkom calls for this to extend to two years, or until a permanent permit is granted. Implementation remains patchy: Brandenburg caps this at 18 months, while North Rhine–Westphalia allows up to 48.
Automatic approval
Perhaps the most consequential reform, according to Bitkom, is the introduction of “Genehmigungsfiktion” – automatic approval after a set period where authorities do not respond. Bavaria has taken initial steps with an approval granted by default after six months, but Bitkom argues a three-month limit is essential to unlock meaningful acceleration. Several states have not yet begun work on this provision, and others are limiting it to simplified procedures that exclude most mobile masts due to their height.
Other recommendations include reforming setback distance rules for masts in outer areas; either eliminating these requirements entirely or restricting building-equivalent treatment to larger structures above 1.5 metres in diameter. Additional priorities include accelerating electricity connections for mobile sites and enabling rail and road operators to support mobile infrastructure more proactively, including through power provision and space for equipment.
Bitkom also stresses the need for clearer guidance from governments on what constitutes the “overriding public interest” of telecommunications, so local authorities can apply regulations consistently.
Bitkom’s report also extends to fixed-line infrastructure, highlighting similar approval delays for fibre expansion. Measures like expanded use of blanket consents, simplified processes for minor works and parallel digital applications under the Online Access Act are progressing, but only gradually.
Bitkom concludes that while political commitments to acceleration exist, Germany’s mobile and fixed network rollout will remain slow until states move from partial adoption to full implementation of the agreed reforms.
