Former Tui boss Friedrich Joussen is helping Ralph Dommermuth to set up the network

Friedrich Joussen, former CEO of Tui AG

The mobile veteran helps with a tricky project.

(Photo: imago images/localpic)

Hamburg After his resignation as CEO of Tui AG in September, Friedrich Joussen became quiet. The 59-year-old apparently quickly found connection use. According to Handelsblatt information, it is poaching again in its original habitat: the telecommunications industry. Accordingly, he docked at one of the most exciting projects of the guild – the emancipation of 1 & 1.

The company of billionaire Ralph Dommermuth (United Internet, GMX, Ionos) is currently investing billions of euros in setting up its own, particularly modern 5G mobile network. It is also about freeing the provider, who has long been ridiculed as a “free rider”. So far, 1&1 has primarily relied on the resale of infrastructure from other providers such as Telefónica Germany (O2).

Joussen apparently joined Dommermuth as a freelance consultant at the end of last year. The two exchanged information regularly, it is said, in a small circle, especially in terms of network construction. But Dommermuth’s other plans are also at stake, such as the recent IPO of the web hosting provider Ionos. Hardly anyone at the United Internet headquarters in Montabaur was said to have been informed about the personnel.

There is no shortage of work there. Dommermuth recently had a hard time struggling with his mega project and had to appease politicians such as the Federal Network Agency because he had violated the expansion requirements. Main partner Vantage Towers, a Vodafone subsidiary, has so far only delivered a fraction of the infrastructure ordered. A bitter setback.

1&1 uses a particularly complex 5G technology from the Japanese partner Rakuten for its network. There are quite a few in the industry who find them revolutionary but immature. At the same time, competitors are trying to hinder Dommermuth’s ambitions. In such a situation, the advice of a mobile phone veteran with contacts in Berlin can be very useful.

Former boss of Vodafone Germany

The two men have known each other for over ten years. “Fritz” Joussen led ahead of Tui Vodafone Germany, which once worked closely with 1&1. He had already started his career in Düsseldorf in 1988; back then, Vodafone was still called Mannesmann. In 2012 he resigned as CEO after more than 20 years with the group.

1&1 founder and boss Ralph Dommermuth

Dommermuth is behind schedule with network construction.

(Photo: Michael Englert for Handelsblatt)

1&1 confirms Joussen’s commitment on request. “Mr. Joussen advises the United Internet Group on a number of strategic issues, including network expansion,” said a spokesman. Joussen did not comment.

More: Network expansion is too slow – mobile operators must expect sanctions.

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