Deutsche Telekom and 1&1 Agree on Shared Fiber Network Access

Deutsche Telekom and 1&1 have finalized an agreement for the shared use of their telecommunications networks. The new contract enables 1&1 to offer its customers fiber optic (FTTH) services via Telekom's built infrastructure, effectively making 1&1's service area national.

The agreement follows a commercial understanding reached last year and now permits 1&1 to market its own products for Telekom's direct fiber connections for the first time. These connections are based on Telekom's regional networks, linked to 1&1 Versatel's transport network at hundreds of handover points. Telekom aims to provide fiber connections to approximately ten million households by the end of 2024.

Kerstin Baumgart, responsible for Telekom's wholesale business, described the deal as "a clear signal to the market," emphasizing principles of open network access. She noted that shared usage increases network utilization, expands the partner's marketing reach, and enhances customer choice. Dr. Sören Trebst, CEO of 1&1 Versatel Deutschland GmbH, expressed anticipation for jointly providing gigabit speeds to German households.

In recent months, the companies have clarified product and process details related to the agreement. Telekom invests approximately 5.5 billion euros annually in Germany and operates over 650,000 kilometers of fiber optic network, the largest in Europe. The company's goal is to ensure every German household and business has a fiber connection by 2030.