New framework conditions, frequencies, and what the BNetzA changes mean for network operators, tower companies, and software service providers

In 2025, two groundbreaking decisions were made in telecommunications regulation. The 800 MHz, 1,800 MHz, and 2,600 MHz mobile frequencies originally scheduled for auction will be extended until December 31, 2030. This means that the largest mobile spectrum allocation process since 2019 has been suspended for the time being, giving network operators planning security for the next five years.

On the other hand, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig has referred a complaint by the Federal Network Agency to the Administrative Court in Cologne, making a ruling by the latter legally binding and requiring the Federal Network Agency to redefine the rules for the 5G auction. It remains to be seen whether this will have any impact and, if so, what that impact will be.

Both events demonstrate the expected dynamics within political telecommunications regulation. Added to this are European harmonization efforts and technological innovations.

At PreHCM Services, we want to strengthen the self-determination of mobile network operators in the regulatory environment during these times. Maximum transparency and data sovereignty are key to securing our own supply mandate; ultimately, the same applies to administrations.

The PreHCM Suite will be further expanded, and our customers will continue to benefit from many process improvements in 2026. Let's use the momentum to improve the “big picture.”

Supply requirements in rural areas remain a challenge, as does meeting broadband and minimum speed requirements. Here, the federal government is calling for verifiable and continuous network development. As a software company with specialized industry solutions in the telecommunications industry, we want to set the course together with our customers and drive forward rapid and transparent network expansion with well-designed, reliable tools.

The regulatory cornerstones have a direct impact on infrastructure planning, especially on site selection, antenna configurations, simulations, and verification calculations. Due to the new requirements for site expansion, operators must provide verification faster and digitally, and with regard to 5G Advanced, there will be more small cells, micro sites, and in-building solutions.

We want to support this with our PreHCM Suite. Our PreHCM MxWell solution has undergone an important release in the direction of 3D simulation and the processing of LOD2 building data.

Our Expert Service ensures the professional preparation of all verifications required for a positive site approval decision. In this way, we guarantee transparent and future-proof planning processes.

Tower and infrastructure services are also undergoing change.

The tower company market (#DeutscheFunkturm #ATC #Helios #Vantage #Vantage #PTI) continues to become more professional. Market observers expect a significant increase in build-to-suit projects and accelerated, nationwide expansion by 2026. At the same time, the collaboration between mobile network operators (MNOs) and tower companies is increasingly developing into a partnership-based, technologically sophisticated relationship.

But one thing is becoming increasingly clear: simply owning passive infrastructure is no longer enough. Future competition will be decided by data, software, and services. Tower companies are evolving into technology service providers that must combine operational efficiency, forecasting capabilities, and sustainability.

With the increasing data density and complexity of network infrastructures, the need for intelligent, data-driven solutions is also growing. Tools such as PreHCM MxWell already support the operational planning, evaluation, and simulation of complex site data.

At the same time, a strategic view of the future is becoming increasingly important:

TowerCos need reliable forecasting and planning tools to manage expansion strategies based on data and to secure investment decisions. In addition to digital twins, which shed light on individual cases, analyses of the entire radio network, including existing contract information, are needed with the aim of making strategic, operational, and economic decisions based on data and with foresight.

To this end, PreHCM Services will introduce new software in 2026.

FAZIT

All of the above market developments reinforce the need for even more efficient use of all resources – from physical infrastructure and available radio spectrum to valuable employee know-how. Here, too, we can expect challenges in the coming years as the baby boomer generation slips out of working life.

It is precisely this need for efficient use of all resources that offers PreHCM Services the perfect opportunity in 2026 to further position ourselves as a competent partner in spectrum, frequency, and antenna management, location and EMF planning, and the optimization of shared use processes in the German and international markets. It remains an exciting market, and I look forward to all the surprises that 2026 may bring.

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