New 1&1 customers will be using the Vodafone network, while existing customers will be migrated from O2 to Vodafone in batches by autumn 2025 at the latest
Vodafone and 1&1 have officially launched their national roaming partnership in mobile communications, after reaching a preliminary agreement last year. Both network operators have now signed the final contract, setting the stage for collaboration starting this summer. Beginning on Thursday 29 August 2024, new 1&1 customers will be able to access Vodafone’s mobile network alongside 1&1’s own network with their smartphones.
As Germany’s fourth mobile network operator, 1&1 is currently developing its infrastructure and has a long way to go. In areas where the new 1&1 5G network does not yet have full coverage, customers have so far been connected via O2 Germany antennas, owned by Telefónica.
This time last year the two companies were at loggerheads after 1&1 had contracted Vodafone’s Vantage to build most of its initial towers but was claiming it failed to meet its deadlines. 1&1 had complained to Germany’s Federal Cartel Office (the Bundeskartellamt) that Vodafone actions had caused “obstacles to the roll-out of its 5G mobile network”. It said the obstacles had prevented it from meeting the roll-out obligations that are part of its licence terms.
Then in August 2023, the two operators signed a national roaming partnership that will allow United Internet’s 1&1 to finally roll out 5G services. That deal, which could last up to 18 years if extended, would provide 5G coverage to areas not served by 1&1 Mobilfunk’s own network and would also include access to 2G, 4G and future mobile technologies.
As the deal now comes into force, Vodafone’s network will be available to new 1&1 customers in areas where 1&1’s own coverage is still being developed. The transition between networks will happen seamlessly and automatically, ensuring a smooth experience for mobile users.
Existing 1&1 customers will also gain access to the combined 1&1 5G network and Vodafone national roaming soon. As a result, 1&1 will gradually transition the mobile plans of its 12 million-plus customers by autumn 2025.
“We get started: We’re about to embark on Germany’s largest mobile migration. This partnership will enable us to optimally utilise our networks and further expand their reach for our customers, while helping us grow sustainably in the coming years,” said Vodafone Germany CEO Marcel de Groot (above).
“We’re confident that our customers will benefit from this partnership. Vodafone has invested in network quality in recent years, delivering very good results, especially in expanding 5G coverage nationwide. At the same time, our primary focus remains on rapidly expanding the 1&1 mobile network, rolling out our innovative Open RAN technology to more and more regions,” said Ralph Dommermuth, CEO of 1&1.
The partnership between Vodafone and 1&1 is designed for the long term and includes mechanisms to protect both companies against rising costs and increasing data demands. Vodafone and 1&1 have a history of collaboration, having previously worked together under their MVNO agreement.