On March 3, 2009, the Federal Network Agency announced a decision facilitating the development and provision of high-speed internet connections by competitors of Deutsche Telekom AG (DT AG) in previously unserved or inadequately served rural areas, known as “white spots.”
Consequently, DT AG will be required to grant its competitors access to the subscriber line (TAL), commonly referred to as the “last mile,” at a distribution frame. DT AG must typically establish this distribution frame at the entrance to towns or villages that are currently unserved or poorly served by broadband infrastructure.
Providing access to the TAL at a distribution frame reduces the length of lines between the provider's active equipment and the end customer, thereby enabling high-bandwidth internet connectivity. Moreover, centralizing the requisite DSL technology at a single point simplifies the deployment of services in rural areas. This notably obviates the need for individual street cabinet connections and the extensive civil engineering work typically associated with them.
The fees payable by competitors to DT AG for this new network access will be stipulated by the Federal Network Agency in a distinct approval procedure subsequent to this decision.
Source: Press release of the Federal Network Agency of March 3, 2009
Goldberg Rechtsanwälte
Attorney Michael Ullrich, LL.M. (Information Law)
Specialist Lawyer for Information Technology Law (IT Law)
