Representatives of the energy and water industry in Germany have agreed in a letter of intent on a common industry model for construction and operation of a nationwide 450 MHz radio network. As operators of critical infrastructure, they are prepared to jointly use the 450 MHz radio frequency. A prerequisite for implementation is the allocation of frequencies by the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) beyond 2020.

The four equal partners in the 450connect GmbH joint venture will each own 25%

– the previous owner of 450connect, Alliander AG,

– a consortium of municipal regional DSOs,

– the regional DSOs belonging to E.ON SE / innogy SE and

– the Versorger-Allianz 450, an association of municipal utilities, energy and water utilities with participation of EnBW.

Together, the companies provide energy and water supply to 90 percent of Germany’s area. Climate change requires the implementation of energy and mobility transition. This forces the digitization of millions of network elements (including photovoltaic, wind turbines, heat pumps and charging stations for electromobility) and a black-out resilient, safe and powerful communication for their control. The requirements of the energy industry can only be met with a 450 MHz-based radio network.

The joint venture company offers all the prerequisites for setting up and operating the radio network quickly and professionally. This is supported by the existing site infrastructure, the financial strength of the energy and water management and competence of the operator 450connect and the shareholders.

The current owner of the 450 MHz frequency band and radio network operator 450connect will apply for the frequencies in the award procedure currently being prepared by the Federal Network Agency. The usage rights expiring in 2020 are to be made available primarily for applications of critical infrastructures in the energy industry. In January 2020, the BNetzA started the award procedure under this premise, published key points and queried requirements. However, the procedure is subject to the provision that the Federal Government does not overrule the BNetzA and, contrary to the premise, allocates the frequencies to the authorities and organizations for public protection and disaster recovery.

In order to be able to start the rollout of the 450 MHz network as soon as possible, the future shareholders of 450connect appeal to the Federal Government to confirm the BNetzA’s approach and move forward with the award procedure keeping in mind the interests of security of power, water supply, success of the measures against the climate change and the implementation of energy and mobility transition.