Bundesnetzagentur supports 5G campus networks
Jochen Homann: "We are supporting 5G campus networks to strengthen Germany's position as a place for business and investment"
Year of issue 2022
Date of issue 2022.02.23
The Bundesnetzagentur has today published rules enabling operators of local private mobile networks to be assigned International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSIs) and other network codes.
"By providing local 5G networks with their own number assignments we are giving enterprises even more planning certainty for the rollout of private campus networks in Germany and are supporting interference-free operation of the networks. The Bundesnetzagentur is taking a leading role in Europe in providing numbers for private networks,"
said Jochen Homann, Bundesnetzagentur President.
Promoting the spread of digital technology
For many enterprises, operating a campus network is linked to introducing new, digital business processes. The provision of numbers represents a key contribution to the spread of digital technology. It benefits both large industrial enterprises as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) wanting to operate private campus networks with their own broadband spectrum assignments and numbers.
Focus on number assignments in line with demand
IMSIs are needed to identify terminals in campus networks operated with today's mobile technology.
Up until now, operators of private campus networks have mainly used IMSIs provided by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for general use. These IMSIs do not, however, meet the current requirements for certain applications. The individual assignment of IMSIs and special network codes for five different internationally standardised types of mobile network identification now makes it possible to reliably differentiate between networks. It can also prevent unwanted login attempts. This widens the scope of application for private campus networks.
The Bundesnetzagentur had previously carried out several public consultations on the demand for numbers for campus networks and the provision options.
Start of the application procedure
The Bundesnetzagentur has been assigning mobile spectrum at 3 700-3 800 MHz for campus networks since November 2019. At present, there are around 200 assignment holders. These assignment holders can apply to the Bundesnetzagentur from 24 February 2022 for the assignment of sub-blocks of 10,000 IMSIs from the "262 98" block and for other network codes they require.
Further information on the assignment of numbers for campus networks is available on the Bundesnetzagentur's website at www.bundesnetzagentur.de/nummern-campusnetze (in German).