The Federal Council today approved the amendment to the Telecommunications Act. This enshrines the overriding public interest in network expansion in law. This will significantly speed up the approval process, especially for the construction of mobile phone masts.
“A modern, digital Germany needs two things in equal measure: high-performance, fast internet and comprehensive, future-proof mobile communications coverage. The new Telecommunications Act speeds up approval procedures, ensures greater cooperation with local authorities and secures investment – so that Germany becomes a pioneer rather than a laggard in the digital competition. This is the only way to achieve digital participation for all, drive economic progress and strengthen our digital sovereignty. With the amendment to the Telecommunications Act, the Federal Government is sending a strong signal: it is determined to take Germany’s digital infrastructure to the next level. Fibre optic and mobile networks will be given the priority they deserve – and the planning security that investors need. At the same time, consideration for nature and the environment will be maintained, and we are focusing on speed, commitment and efficiency,” said Deputy Minister-President and Minister of the Interior Thomas Strobl in his speech at the plenary session of the Bundesrat in Berlin today, 11 July 2025.
The Bundesrat has approved the law amending the Telecommunications Act. The law enshrines the overriding public interest in network expansion in law. As a result, projects to expand the mobile communications network will generally be given priority in approval procedures when weighing up the various interests involved. In addition, approval procedures – especially for the construction of mobile phone masts – will be significantly accelerated. The German Bundestag passed the draft law proposed by the governing CDU/CSU and SPD parties on 26 June 2025.
“Digital infrastructure ensures participation in social and economic life. For millions of people, for businesses, hospitals and educational institutions, fast internet is not a luxury, but a lifeline. I remember, for example, the fire on a coach on the Black Forest High Road. Contacting the fire brigade was difficult because of dead spots on the B500. With the new TKG, we have now laid the foundations for making much faster progress here,” said Deputy Minister-President and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl.
Through a targeted funding policy, a billion-euro offensive and constant dialogue with the telecommunications industry and local authorities, the state government has created the conditions for comprehensive gigabit coverage. Since 2016, the state has provided more than 3.2 billion euros. Together with federal subsidies, this amounts to a total of around 6.74 billion euros for broadband expansion, explained Digitalisation Minister Thomas Strobl in this context. Compared to other states in the Federal Republic of Germany, Baden-Württemberg has benefited disproportionately from federal funding. Since 2020, most of the federal funding has gone to Baden-Württemberg. To date, the state has supported more than 3,700 projects. The 2025/2026 double budget allocates an additional 1.1 billion euros for the expansion of high-speed internet in Baden-Württemberg. With the accelerated approval process, this money can now be put to use even faster by laying fibre optic cables in a timely manner.
