D-Netz, E-Netz, etc. - Why do cellular networks use letters as names?

Cellular networks, too Cell phone networks have a long history that goes far beyond the mass private cellular communications that emerged in the 1990s. But why do the mobile networks have letters as their names and become D-Netz with the subdivision D1 and D2 as well as E-Netz or O?₂-Net called? In this post I want to briefly show you the background and make a small comparison. In addition to the cell phone network information, you can also find one here in the blog Guide to GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G with information about what is behind these abbreviations.

Brief history of cellphone networks: cellular communications since 1958

• 1958: A network of the German Federal Post Office (BRD) introduced as a hand-switched network of the public mobile regional radio (ÖbL); End: 1977 with around 10.500 users
• 1972: B network is introduced as an analog self-dialing network; End: 1995 with around 27.000 users
• 1986: DeTeMobil introduces the C network as an analog network; End: 2000 with around 850.000 users
• 1992: D-Netz is introduced as the first digital cellular network; D1 from DeTeMobil (Telekom) D2 from Mannesmann (later Vodafone)
• 1993: E-Plus E-Netz is introduced; later merger with O's E2 network₂ under the umbrella of Telefónica
• 1998: Viag Interkom enters the German market in eight cities and establishes the fourth German mobile network, which was unofficially called the E2 network; Viag Interkom will later become O₂
• 2010: LTE as a radio standard finds its way into all cell phone networks

That is why mobile networks use letters as names

The reason can therefore be seen in the history as well as in the course of the structure of mobile communications and its standards. It was a long way from hand-held calls in the ÖbL to numbers dialed by Siri in one of four (or three) networks. A, B and C networks no longer exist; Under the umbrella of Telefónica Deutschland, the E-network from E-Plus and the E2 network from O₂ merged. In addition, there are always changes such as described here in detail.

Why there will probably be no F-network

Four networks are currently established in Germany, two of them (E-Plus and O₂) have been merged for several years. Sooner or later there will be three large networks divided into D1, D2 and E. Instead of replacing these networks or adding another one (competitors would have to purchase corresponding frequency bands Raise billions) they are expanded. The last radio standard called 4G or LTE was introduced in 2010 as a renewal; In 2020, 5G is to be introduced as the fifth generation of mobile communications. The fact that these new standards are integrated into existing networks is, in addition to the cost factor for a new network, another reason why an F network is not to be expected.

Four networks and countless providers

Cellular communications for use with cell phones, smartphones, tablets, mobile routers, laptops, etc. are set up and operated by a few providers - but there are cellular communications contracts with a myriad of providers. These are in contract with the network operators and provide users of the mobile phone networks; mostly at a fraction of the prices of the providers, who have significantly more costs with setting up and maintaining the networks. In comparison, discount brands like those of the Drillisch Online AG Offer tariffs that are available from O₂ would cost three to four times as much. However, the network operators themselves also have subsidiaries for discount offers: Vodafone has otelo, Telekom has congstar, Telefónica has blue ... and more.

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.