Identifying Coverage Gaps: A Job for Mobile Phone Users
In an effort to ensure the best possible mobile network services for its citizens, the German government, states, and municipalities have announced a nationwide mobile network testing week from Monday to the following Sunday. This initiative invites citizens to participate by using their personal mobile devices to gather real-world data on network performance.
The testing week aims to assess and improve the quality, coverage, and reliability of mobile networks across the country. By providing feedback via apps or online platforms, citizens can help identify areas with poor connectivity or performance issues. Some network operators and authorities may also release special testing apps that automatically collect network quality metrics.
Citizens are encouraged to engage in surveys or interactive campaigns related to the testing event, further contributing to the overall understanding of mobile network performance in Germany. The results from the testing week will provide a more accurate picture of the actual quality of mobile networks and identify areas where further action is needed.
According to the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), the head of the agency, Klaus Müller, stated that the testing week will create an up-to-date picture of network availability. Meanwhile, Federal Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) emphasized that this initiative would foster transparency and consumer awareness about network standards and operator performance.
Recent years have seen significant improvements in Germany's mobile networks, but connections are still weak in some areas. In January, Telekom customers found themselves in a dead zone covering 1.2 percent of Germany's surface area where not even the old 2G voice standard was available. The coverage of network competitors Vodafone and O2 Telefónica is significantly worse in some areas, according to figures.
Vodafone Germany's chief technology officer, Tanja Richter, stated that her company analyses the quality of its network daily using measurement vehicles. Citizens can also use the Broadband Measurement app provided by the Federal Network Agency to conduct measurements during the testing week.
Interested citizens are advised to check official communications from the Federal Network Agency or mobile network operators in Germany for the exact dates and details of the current testing week. It is essential to stay informed and contribute to improving mobile network services in Germany.
- During the nationwide mobile network testing week, citizens can not only use their smartphones but also consider testing other gadgets to gather comprehensive data about network performance.
- By participating in apps, surveys, or interactive campaigns related to the testing event, citizens can offer valuable feedback about network quality, coverage, and reliability across various devices such as smartphones and other gadgets, contributing to a more accurate picture of Germany's mobile network services.
