Minister Altmaier: “Telecommunications networks are stable”

In the current corona crisis, Germany is making greater use than usual of the internet and thus of the telecommunications networks as schools have been closed and many people are working from home. Videostreaming and gaming are particularly data-intensive. According to telecommunications firms, however, the grids are currently not overloaded and are well equipped to cope with even greater use.

Federal Minister Peter Altmaier said: “We are in regular contact with grid operators. Our telecommunications networks are stable in spite of greater internet use. Operators have taken all necessary measures to guarantee stable grid operation in the current crisis. This is also confirmed by the daily reports to the Bundesnetzagentur. We therefore do not need to worry about grid stability. We are closely following developments and are able to react quickly, if necessary.

In view of the outstanding significance of functioning telecommunications networks – especially in the current crisis – the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is in close contact with telecommunications firms, content providers and the Bundesnetzagentur. Telecommunications firms are sending daily reports to the Bundesnetzagentur. The Economic Affairs Ministry is also closely following grid developments.

If, contrary to expectations, grids become overloaded, telecommunications firms can take appropriate measures in line with the Net Neutrality Ordinance. The Bundesnetzagentur has elaborated guidelines containing solutions and measures for reliable management for such a case.

More information can be found in the joint report by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the Bundesnetzagentur, which can be accessed here (PDF, 122 KB), and in guidelines by the Bundesnetzagentur, which can be accessed here (PDF, 83 KB).