Users of mobile phones can locate radio frequency voids or dead zones
Germany to Crowdsource Mobile Network Data in Nationwide Campaign
In an effort to enhance mobile network coverage and eliminate persistent dead zones, German authorities are launching the Mobile Network Measurement Week from May 26 to June 1, 2025. This marks the first nationwide initiative to gather mobile network performance data directly from users.
During this week-long campaign, citizens are encouraged to download the free Broadband Measurement app, provided by the Federal Network Agency. As they move through various locations, the app records real-time connectivity status - such as 2G, 4G, or 5G availability - across their travel routes.
The aim of this initiative is to create a more accurate representation of the actual quality of mobile networks, focusing on areas that require further attention. Last year, a similar campaign was carried out in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Federal Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) stated, "By participating, we can collect updated data on network availability, empowering us to improve mobile coverage across the nation." Federal Network Agency chief Klaus Müller added that the results would provide a more accurate depiction of real-world network performance.
Although Germany's mobile networks have seen significant improvements in recent years, some areas continue to experience weak connections. According to the Federal Network Agency, approximately 1.2% of Germany's surface area had no 2G coverage available to Telekom customers in January. This figure rose to 8% and 15.6% when it came to lacking 4G and 5G coverage, respectively. Coverage from competitors Vodafone and O2 Telefónica was reportedly worse in some areas.
Vodafone Germany's Chief Technology Officer, Tanja Richter, acknowledged that her company regularly monitors network quality using measurement vehicles. She welcomed the opportunity for customers and municipalities to provide specific feedback for continual network enhancement during the Mobile Network Measurement Week. Post-campaign, the Broadband Measurement app will remain available for users to continue recording measurements, with the results of this week's tests evaluated separately.
This nationwide initiative aims to provide a detailed, comprehensive snapshot of mobile connectivity, enabling authorities and operators to identify and target specific gaps for improvement. The data gathered will inform decision-making and infrastructure investment, ultimately working towards universal digital coverage - a necessity for modern businesses and digital services, particularly in rural areas. With up to 69 million smartphone users potentially contributing data, the campaign is anticipated to yield a robust, real-world assessment of mobile network quality across Germany.
1.Citizens are encouraged to use the Broadband Measurement app, provided by the Federal Network Agency, during the Mobile Network Measurement Week, as they move around with their smartphones, to help record real-time connectivity status of gadgets like smartphones, which can contribute to a more accurate depiction of the actual quality of mobile networks.
- As the Mobile Network Measurement Week commences across Germany, up to 69 million smartphone users may potentially participate by downloading the app, contributing data on gadgets like smartphones, aiding authorities and operators to identify and target specific gaps for improving mobile connectivity, particularly in rural areas where technology plays a crucial role for modern businesses and digital services.
