Telecommunications association wants to break the deadlock on 5G rollout
The Swiss Telecommunications Association (Asut) aims to resolve the bottlenecks in expansion and investment surrounding the rollout of the new 5G mobile network generation. This is because the significantly delayed rollout of 5G has serious consequences. According to a study, within three years, over 60 percent of mobile internet traffic could no longer be handled.
In a press release issued on Friday, Asut calls on politicians and authorities to support the necessary renewal of mobile networks and to resolve the expansion and investment blockade. The last few months in particular have shown how important high-performance communication networks are for society and the economy.
Infrastructure expansion necessary
In view of the current economic situation, it is incomprehensible that the mobile communications industry is being prevented from investing in Switzerland's important infrastructure expansion. Mobile network providers invest between half a billion and a billion francs a year in the expansion of the mobile network
When the last generation of 4G/LTE mobile communications was introduced in Switzerland, over 10,000 transmitters were equipped with the new technology within just a few years. Within three years, over 60 percent of sites had been equipped and by 2017, 4G/LTE was available nationwide.
Although the differences in radio technology between 4G and 5G are much smaller compared to older generations of mobile communications, the introduction of 5G is being delayed or even blocked in many cantons and municipalities, criticizes Asut.
Resistance is present
For example, the time it takes to obtain a first-instance building permit for new facilities or conversions requiring approval has increased by 37% since 2018 and now takes over seven months. Appeals to the Federal Supreme Court could delay the construction or conversion of a facility for years.
In addition to the longer procedures, it is also apparent that many municipalities and cantons are no longer even processing applications for new installations or changes to installations. However, the blockade does not only affect approval procedures. Even modifications to existing mobile radio installations, which only required notification, now take seven times longer than in 2018. (SDA)
