o2 wants the Tesla method: build first, ask for permission later

The construction of new mobile sites takes too long for o2. That's why the Germany boss of Telefónica Tesla wants to take Tesla as a role model - first build and then ask for permission. The step is intended to accelerate network expansion.

Model Tesla: o2 wants to build faster

Build first, then ask for permission - that's a bit of an exaggeration, of course. Nevertheless, Markus Haas, head of Telefónica Germany, would like simpler and, above all, faster approval procedures for the expansion of the o2 mobile network. "If that's possible with Tesla, it must also be possible for the mobile network," he argues (source: Süddeutsche Zeitung).

Haas introduces himself more precisely: "We would like to see the cell phone sites released. That means: We are allowed to build a cell phone site in accordance with simple, overarching regulations at suitable locations, and it is only then finally approved. If approval cannot be granted, we will dismantle the site."

Having to obtain all the necessary permits before construction begins costs unnecessary time and delays the expansion of the mobile network. According to Haas, the planning cycle for a new cell phone mast in other European countries takes around three months. In Germany, people have already become faster today, but you still have to reckon with around a year.

Tesla, on the other hand, has built its gigafactory near Berlin at an unprecedented pace and is already said to be producing test vehicles - without final approval. But: Interim approvals were granted and, at least theoretically, Tesla would also have to dismantle the plants for e-car construction and battery production if the final approval was not granted.

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Hardly any risk for o2: 99 percent go through

Of course, this is not to be expected, which is probably what o2 boss Haas is speculating about. In 99 percent of the cases, new cell towers would be approved anyway. So instead of going through individual procedures for every new mast that is built practically under the same sign, Haas hopes for the "approval fiction".

For example, dead spots could be eliminated more quickly or the 5G network could be expanded much more quickly. The actual test should take place after construction. If this could not then be approved, Telefónica or other network operators would be obliged to rebuild. With only 1 percent a manageable risk.