Politicians are pushing for the opening of the 5G networks – that could depress prices in the mobile network

Hamburg The latest generation of mobile communications, 5G, is fast – and expensive. With it, videos can be viewed in higher quality, and modern games can be played fluently on the go. Compared to its predecessor LTE, the high-speed networks transmit up to 20 times more data per second. As a rule, mobile phone providers charge a high price for this turbo. Because many discount customers are denied access to the new infrastructure.

This is also reflected in the tariff structure: contracts without 5G are offered on common comparison portals from around five euros a month. 5G tariffs with a similarly high data volume cost at least 14 euros.

This could change soon. The Federal Network Agency wants to decide on the introduction of a so-called service provider obligation (DAV) by next year at the latest. With their help, the competition in 5G should also pick up speed. Fiber optic providers or companies from outside the industry such as the shipping giant Amazon could then offer their own 5G mobile products. The prices could therefore fall.