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E-Plus

E-Plus Mobilfunk GmbH & Co. KG was a major German mobile network operator (MNO), founded in 1993 as a subsidiary of the E-Plus Group and launching commercial services on May 27, 1994, as the third GSM-based MNO in the country. It operated a nationwide public mobile telephone network utilizing 2G, 3G, and from March 2014, 4G (LTE) technologies across spectrum bands including 1800 MHz and 2000 MHz, initially providing 4G coverage to 4.5 million people in select cities like Berlin, Leipzig, and Nuremberg. The company offered a broad portfolio of wireless telecommunications services, encompassing voice calls, SMS, MMS, and mobile data, delivered under its primary brand E-Plus as well as sub-brands such as BASE, simyo, Blau, Yourfone, Ay Yildiz, and Ortel Mobile, with a focus on competitive pricing strategies like all-net flats (e.g., Yourfone's €19.90 plan introduced in April 2012) and innovative add-ons including an EU-wide travel flat for €3 per month from February 2014 and a WhatsApp data partnership launched in April 2014. By 2013, E-Plus had grown to serve approximately 23.9 million subscribers, securing a of 10-20% in the overall sector and 20-30% in the prepaid , positioning it as the third-largest MNO in behind and , and recognized as a "price-challenger" and "data-centric" innovator in the market. Ownership transitioned significantly over its history: acquired by Dutch telecom firm in 2002, it remained under KPN control until Deutschland Holding AG announced its purchase on July 23, 2013, for €5 billion in cash plus a 20.5% in Telefónica, a cleared by the on July 2, 2014, following commitments to mitigate competition concerns such as spectrum concentration and wholesale access for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). The acquisition reduced Germany's MNO count from four to three, creating the largest mobile provider with over 45 million connections by combining E-Plus's infrastructure with Telefónica's O2 network, though E-Plus's legacy network quality ranked third nationally per KPN's 2013 report, trailing the dominant "D-Netze" operators in coverage and speed in some rural areas. Post-merger integration proceeded through network consolidation and spectrum sharing, culminating in the unification of all services under the O2 brand on February 3, 2016, effectively ending E-Plus as a standalone entity while enhancing Telefónica Germany's market position to over 45 million connections by 2019.

History

Founding and Early Operations

E-Plus Mobilfunk & Co. KG was founded in 1992 as Germany's third mobile telecommunications operator, established through a involving Veba AG and AG via their entity VR Telecommunications. The company was formed to capitalize on the emerging digital mobile market, with Veba and RWE providing the initial infrastructure and financial backing to compete against established players like Deutsche Telekom's and Mannesmann's D2. In February 1993, E-Plus was awarded Germany's third mobile license for the DCS-1800 standard (later known as GSM-1800), following a competitive process that positioned it as the nation's first operator focused exclusively on this frequency band. The license, valid for 15 years with potential extension, enabled E-Plus to develop a nationwide tailored for voice and data services, emphasizing compatibility with standards. This award came after the initial two licenses had been granted to competitors in 1992, marking E-Plus's entry into a rapidly liberalizing sector. Services officially launched on January 1, 1994, with the company operating as E-Plus Mobilfunk GmbH & Co. KG and initially concentrating on digital GSM rollout rather than legacy analog systems. Early operations faced challenges in rapid network deployment amid Germany's reunification and infrastructure demands, prioritizing coverage in key urban centers such as Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich to attract business and consumer users. By the end of its debut year, E-Plus had achieved significant initial penetration, offering a mix of postpaid contracts and innovative prepaid options to drive adoption in a market dominated by higher-cost incumbents. Subsequent ownership evolved with KPN acquiring control in 2002, reshaping its strategic direction.

Expansion in the 1990s and 2000s

E-Plus achieved rapid subscriber growth during the mid-, doubling its customer base to over 1 million by the end of through expanded network coverage reaching 98% of the population and targeted efforts. This expansion was bolstered by the introduction of prepaid services in early 1998 under the Free&Easy brand, which sold 395,000 cards by March of that year and appealed to cost-conscious users by eliminating contracts and enabling easy top-ups. In the early , E-Plus further diversified its distribution by partnering with retailers like for prepaid SIM cards, launching the service on December 7, 2005, which emphasized low-cost options and quickly gained traction among younger demographics seeking affordable mobile access. Technological advancements drove E-Plus's service enhancements in the , beginning with the commercial launch of GPRS on December 4, 2000, which introduced packet-switched data capabilities for the first time in its network. This was followed by upgrades starting in 2003, boosting data speeds to up to 384 kbit/s and enabling early mobile browsing, , and basic services for subscribers. The company then entered the 3G era with the acquisition of spectrum during Germany's 2000 auction and the rollout of consumer services on August 16, 2004, initially focused on urban areas. By the end of 2005, E-Plus met its license requirement for 50% population coverage with , prioritizing high-density regions to support emerging data applications like video streaming. Corporate adjustments in 1998 supported this growth phase, including operational streamlining and the establishment of dedicated units to handle increasing demand from prepaid and postpaid users. By 2005, these efforts contributed to E-Plus capturing approximately 15% of the German mobile market, with 10.7 million subscribers out of a total of around 78 million, largely through its focus on low-cost prepaid plans that resonated with younger and budget-oriented customers.

Developments from 2006 to 2013

In 2006, E-Plus launched its High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) service, marking a significant upgrade to its network capabilities. The rollout began on December 1, 2006, initially offering download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbit/s, which enabled enhanced mobile data services such as video streaming and improved web browsing for subscribers. This enhancement built on the earlier foundation, positioning E-Plus as a competitive provider in Germany's evolving mobile data market by addressing growing demand for faster on the go. Following the 2008 global recession, E-Plus achieved a financial turnaround through strategic investments in network infrastructure and efforts. Revenues grew steadily from approximately €2.9 billion in 2006 to €3.4 billion in , reflecting a of about 2.6% despite competitive pressures. This recovery was supported by joint ventures that facilitated bundling of mobile services with complementary offerings, such as content partnerships, helping to stabilize EBITDA margins around 38% by while expanding the postpaid subscriber base. Preparation for fourth-generation (4G) Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology accelerated in the early , with E-Plus securing key spectrum assets during Germany's 2010 multi-band . The operator acquired paired blocks including 2x5 MHz in the 1.8 GHz band for €40 million and additional in the 2.0 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands totaling around €200 million, enabling nationwide LTE deployment plans without gaining the lower-frequency 800 MHz band. Building on this, E-Plus initiated LTE trials in 2012 across frequencies like 1.8 GHz, 2.1 GHz, and 2.6 GHz, achieving download speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s in test environments, which demonstrated the potential for high-speed services. Marketing initiatives during this period emphasized affordable data options to drive subscriber growth. In 2010, E-Plus promoted unlimited data plans as part of broader campaigns targeting value-conscious consumers, contributing to a rise in mobile internet adoption. By 2013, these efforts helped E-Plus reach approximately 23.9 million subscribers, solidifying its position as Germany's third-largest mobile operator. E-Plus also navigated regulatory challenges, engaging with the Bundesnetzagentur on issues related to charges and utilization. In , discussions highlighted tensions over fair access to wholesale services and potential sharing arrangements, influencing E-Plus's network expansion strategies amid stricter oversight on in the mobile sector.

Ownership and Acquisition

Ownership under

In 1999, Dutch telecommunications company Koninklijke KPN N.V. () acquired a 77.5% stake in E-Plus Mobilfunk & Co. KG for €18.7 billion, partnering with Corporation to gain control from previous owners including Veba AG, RWE AG, and Group. This transaction established as the majority owner, positioning E-Plus as a key asset in 's international mobile strategy within Germany's competitive market. In January 2002, completed the acquisition of 's remaining 22.5% stake through an exchange for 234.7 million shares valued at $1.06 billion, repayment of a $416 million to , and consolidation of $1.8 billion in E-Plus debt, achieving full ownership and full consolidation of E-Plus into its . Under 's ownership, E-Plus benefited from strategic investments aimed at enhancing its network capabilities, particularly to support the rollout of services following Germany's UMTS license auctions in 2000. directed resources toward infrastructure upgrades, enabling E-Plus to launch UMTS operations and expand coverage, which helped grow its subscriber base to about 14.8 million by 2007. To localize management and strengthen operational alignment, appointed German executives to key roles; notably, Thorsten Dirks was named CEO of E-Plus in 2007, succeeding Hans Renders and focusing on multi-brand strategies and data services innovation. Financially, E-Plus was deeply integrated into the Group as part of its Mobile International segment, with operations fully consolidated for reporting purposes. By 2010, E-Plus generated €3,241 million in external revenues, representing about 24% of 's total group external revenues of €13,324 million, and contributed €1,374 million to group EBITDA (25% of the total). This performance underscored E-Plus's role as a major revenue driver, though considerations included significant loss carryforwards (€14,331 million for and €2,273 million for trade ) that influenced group-level planning. Toward the end of KPN's ownership period, financial pressures from the group's overall debt burden—exacerbated by the 2000 UMTS license costs and the global —led to challenges for E-Plus. In late , amid KPN's efforts to manage net debt exceeding €12 billion, E-Plus implemented a program that accelerated staff reductions and reduced its budget, limiting short-term network expansion initiatives.

Acquisition by Telefónica Deutschland

On July 23, 2013, Telefónica Deutschland announced its agreement to acquire 100% of E-Plus from KPN for a total enterprise value of €8.1 billion, aiming to consolidate its position in the German mobile market by combining the third- and fourth-largest operators. The initial terms included a €5 billion cash consideration to KPN—comprising €3.7 billion paid by Telefónica Deutschland and €1.3 billion for a separate 7.3% stake acquisition by Telefónica S.A.—along with KPN receiving a 17.6% equity stake in the enlarged Telefónica Deutschland valued at approximately €3.1 billion. This structure was designed on a cash- and debt-free basis for E-Plus, with Telefónica assuming the unit's net financial debt, estimated at around €3 billion at the time. The deal faced initial resistance from KPN's major shareholder, América Móvil, prompting an amendment on August 26, 2013, which raised the enterprise value to €8.55 billion while maintaining the €5 billion cash payment but increasing KPN's retained stake in Telefónica Deutschland to 20.5%. Under the revised terms, Telefónica also gained a call option to acquire an additional 2.9% stake from KPN one year post-closing for €510 million plus interest. KPN's supervisory and management boards unanimously endorsed the transaction, citing its potential to enhance financial flexibility amid the company's strained balance sheet following prior investments and market challenges. Shareholder approvals followed swiftly: Telefónica's board had approved the original deal on the announcement date, while KPN shareholders voted in favor at an extraordinary general meeting on October 2, 2013, with América Móvil's irrevocable support securing the necessary majority. Regulatory scrutiny began in September 2013, with the European Commission formally notifying the merger on October 31, 2013, under the EU Merger Regulation, due to concerns over reduced competition in Germany's mobile telecommunications sector. The Commission initiated a Phase I investigation, escalating to Phase II on January 21, 2014, after finding the transaction likely to significantly impede effective competition by reducing the number of major mobile network operators from four (Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Telefónica Deutschland, and E-Plus) to three, potentially leading to higher prices—estimated at 12-20% in prepaid segments and 4-6% in postpaid residential—and diminished innovation incentives. Market concentration would rise sharply, with the merged entity's postpaid subscriber share reaching 30-40% and prepaid revenue share 50-60%, exacerbating wholesale access constraints for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). To address these issues, proposed remedies in May 2014, including the divestiture of spectrum assets—specifically leasing up to 20 MHz in the 2.6 GHz band and options in the 2.1 GHz band—to a new entrant, identified as a quad-play provider (ultimately United Internet's Drillisch/1&1), to facilitate a sustainable fourth competitor. Additional commitments involved offering up to three MVNOs mobile bitstream access agreements for 20% of the merged network's capacity over five years (extendable), plus national roaming and access rights for existing wholesale customers to preserve competitive dynamics in both retail and wholesale markets. The accepted these commitments on July 2, 2014, conditionally approving the acquisition as compatible with the internal market, provided the remedies were implemented under monitoring by a .

Merger Completion and Aftermath

The European Commission approved the acquisition of E-Plus by Telefónica Deutschland on July 2, 2014, subject to commitments aimed at maintaining competition in the German mobile market, including the divestiture of spectrum and network access rights to a new mobile virtual network operator. The merger was officially completed on October 1, 2014, after receiving final regulatory clearances and completing a capital increase to finance the deal, integrating E-Plus as a wholly owned subsidiary of Telefónica Deutschland and creating Germany's largest mobile operator with over 45 million customer accesses. In the immediate aftermath, approximately 25 million E-Plus customers were transferred to O2 tariffs, utilizing a transitional "E-Plus by O2" branding to ease the shift while maintaining service continuity. The E-Plus brand was gradually phased out starting in late 2014, with full unification under the O2 brand achieved by early 2016, marking the end of separate operations. This period saw initial cost synergies materialize, with Telefónica Deutschland projecting an annual run-rate of approximately €800 million from combined operations, driven by network consolidation and operational efficiencies. In 2015 alone, synergies reached about €250 million in operating cash flow. To realize these efficiencies, Deutschland reached an agreement with the in early 2015 for staff reductions totaling 1,600 positions by 2018, with around 800 jobs eliminated that year through natural attrition and voluntary measures, focusing on overlapping roles in and functions. Legally, E-Plus GmbH was merged into Deutschland Holding AG in 2015, dissolving the separate entity and streamlining the . Early customer reactions to adjustments and service migrations included elevated churn rates in 2015, though these were mitigated by commitments to enhanced network coverage and quality under the unified platform.

Network Infrastructure

Initial GSM License and Rollout

E-Plus was awarded the E1 license for Germany's third nationwide digital mobile radio network on 4 May 1993, following a European call for tenders conducted by the regulatory authorities. This license granted the consortium permission to operate a DCS-1800 network (later standardized as GSM-1800) in the 1800 MHz band, with an initial allocation of 2 x 15 MHz paired spectrum, which was later expanded to 2 x 22.4 MHz by 1997. The award positioned E-Plus as the challenger operator in a market previously dominated by the two incumbents, D1 (operated by Deutsche Telekom) and D2 (operated by Mannesmann, later Vodafone), both of which had launched services in 1992 using the lower-frequency GSM-900 band for broader rural coverage. Network rollout began in 1993 with the installation of initial base stations, focusing on high-demand urban areas to leverage the higher capacity of the 1800 MHz band for denser cell deployments. Commercial services launched in May 1994 in Berlin and Leipzig, providing digital voice telephony with seamless handover between cells to support mobile users. The initial deployment emphasized metropolitan regions and key highways, enabling rapid subscriber growth while meeting regulatory obligations for nationwide expansion over time. As the third entrant, E-Plus differentiated itself through competitive pricing strategies aimed at mass-market adoption, offering lower tariffs and simpler handsets compared to the more established and D2 networks. This approach facilitated quick , with the operator prioritizing efficient use in urban centers to handle growing traffic volumes from the outset.

Technological Upgrades and Expansions

E-Plus enhanced its network with packet-switched data capabilities through the deployment of GPRS in late 2001, which supported theoretical maximum download speeds of 114 kbit/s and marked an important step toward mobile internet services. This upgrade was rolled out in collaboration with partners like Group 3G, focusing on integrating GPRS with the existing infrastructure to enable always-on connectivity for data applications. The company further improved 2G data performance with the introduction of in 2003, achieving enhanced speeds up to 384 kbit/s and better for services across urban and suburban areas. In 2004, E-Plus transitioned to with the launch of services, utilizing paired 5 MHz blocks in the 2100 MHz band as allocated during the German UMTS auction. The commercial rollout for consumers began on 16 August 2004, initially targeting business users with data offerings before expanding to voice and , providing a foundation for higher-capacity networks. By late 2009, E-Plus upgraded its infrastructure to HSPA+, enabling peak download speeds of 21 Mbit/s through 64-QAM modulation and technology, which significantly boosted capacity for video streaming and web browsing in populated regions. This evolution was supported by a strategic agreement with in December 2009 to expand the HSPA+ footprint, prioritizing high-traffic urban zones. Preparations for began with trials starting in 2010, testing multiple bands including 2.1 GHz, 1.8 GHz, and 2.6 GHz to evaluate performance and interoperability. These efforts culminated in trials completed by late 2013, with commercial launch in March 2014 leveraging the 2.6 GHz spectrum to deliver targeted peak speeds of 100 Mbit/s. By the end of 2013, E-Plus had achieved approximately 70-80% population coverage for services and begun installing initial elements at several sites. To support these upgrades, E-Plus made substantial infrastructure investments from 2005 to 2012, focusing on site expansions and rural penetration to enhance overall reliability. A key partnership with Networks, initiated in 2008, provided Flexi Multiradio Base Stations for and WCDMA expansions, enabling efficient deployment of over 20,000 new sites and achieving 95% population coverage by 2013. These efforts, totaling around €2 billion, emphasized modular equipment to facilitate seamless transitions from to while minimizing operational costs.

Integration into O2 Network Post-Merger

Following the completion of the merger in October 2014, Telefónica Deutschland initiated the technical integration of E-Plus's infrastructure into the O2 network, a process that began in earnest in January 2016 with the consolidation of UMTS and GSM networks. This effort combined the strengths of both networks, modernizing approximately 27,000 mobile sites across Germany to enhance overall capacity and reliability. The integration focused initially on urban areas, enabling nationwide roaming for all customers and laying the foundation for unified LTE deployment. Spectrum consolidation was a key aspect of the post-merger strategy, with E-Plus's holdings in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands transferred to Deutschland, complementing O2's existing allocations in the 800 MHz and 2600 MHz bands. This allowed for efficient , boosting speeds; by 2018, the network supported peak download rates of up to 300 Mbit/s in areas with multi-band aggregation. The enhanced portfolio, approved under merger conditions, facilitated a more robust rollout, achieving over 98% coverage by the end of the decade. The rollout, launched commercially in October 2020 as non-standalone (NSA) mode leveraging existing infrastructure and E-Plus legacy sites, prioritized urban centers for initial deployment using the 3.6 GHz band. This approach accelerated coverage in high-density areas, with expansions incorporating E-Plus's former sites to minimize new builds. As of October 2025, reached over 98% population coverage, with plans for full nationwide availability by the end of 2025, including standalone () capabilities for advanced services. Telefónica Deutschland committed substantial capital to these upgrades, investing approximately €1 billion annually from onward, totaling around €7 billion by for network modernization, including 11,000 new elements added in that year alone. These efforts culminated in strong performance evaluations; in the 2023 Connect mobile network test, earned a "very good" rating (895 points), reflecting improvements in voice, data, and quality despite stricter criteria. The integration process presented operational challenges, particularly during 2016 site migrations, where the complexity of consolidating legacy E-Plus infrastructure risked temporary service interruptions. These were mitigated through redundant systems and phased rollouts, ensuring minimal impact on customers while achieving full unification by 2017.

Services and

Core Services Offered

E-Plus launched its operations in 1994 as one of Germany's first mobile network operators, offering standard voice calling and messaging services from the outset to support basic mobile communication needs. These core services formed the foundation of E-Plus's portfolio, enabling nationwide calls and on its 900 MHz and later 1800 MHz frequencies. By 2007, E-Plus introduced unlimited voice calling plans, such as those under its BASE brand, allowing subscribers flat-rate access to calls within to compete in the maturing market. International was facilitated through partnerships with global operators, including members of the Group, providing seamless connectivity for travelers across and beyond. Data services evolved significantly during E-Plus's independent era, beginning with the introduction of (WAP) access in 2000, which enabled early mobile internet browsing on compatible devices. This progressed to higher-speed offerings, including and , and culminated in unlimited 4G data bundles by 2014, supporting download speeds up to 100 Mbps in covered areas. To cater to laptop users, E-Plus offered "Surfstick" USB modems starting in the mid-2000s, which plugged into computers for portable broadband connectivity and gained traction for access. Value-added services expanded user engagement through the E-Plus Portal, launched in 2002, which provided mobile content such as downloadable ringtones, games, and multimedia via and later advanced data networks. Additionally, E-Plus hosted mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) starting in 2005, including , a low-cost brand from the supermarket chain that leveraged E-Plus's infrastructure for prepaid voice, , and data plans targeted at budget-conscious consumers. Post-2010, E-Plus explored bundled offerings through fixed-mobile convergence trials with cable partners like Unitymedia, integrating mobile services with fixed-line internet and TV add-ons to offer converged home and on-the-go packages. E-Plus's pricing strategy emphasized affordability in the prepaid segment to attract price-sensitive users, exemplified by the launch of 9-cent tariffs in 2008 under brands like smobil, where calls and cost 0.09 euros each without monthly fees. This low-cost approach contrasted with premium postpaid plans for business users, which included higher allowances and dedicated support for corporate needs. Subscriber growth in these segments reflected E-Plus's focus on accessible services amid intense competition.

Customer Base and Competitive Position

E-Plus began operations in January 1994 as one of Germany's four initial GSM network operators, rapidly expanding its subscriber base through aggressive growth strategies. By the end of 1999, the company had added 1.8 million new subscribers, representing an 84% increase from the previous year and reaching approximately 4 million customers overall, having reportedly doubled its base annually since launch. This early momentum continued, with E-Plus achieving 24.9 million wireless customers by the end of 2013, a 6.6% rise from 23.4 million in 2012, driven by 1.5 million net additions (936,000 postpaid and 610,000 prepaid). The customer base was heavily skewed toward prepaid users, who comprised a significant portion—over 50% in the broader German market—and targeted price-sensitive demographics, including younger consumers and ethnic minorities through multi-brand offerings like Ay Yildiz and BASE. In the competitive landscape, E-Plus consistently held the third position among Germany's major mobile operators, behind (approximately 35% ) and (around 30%), with its own share reaching about 15-20% of the approximately 100 million total subscribers by based on its 24.9 million customer base. As a self-described "data-centric challenger," E-Plus employed aggressive pricing to capture from discounters and MVNOs, leveraging wholesale partnerships and low-cost brands like to appeal to residential and small business users. This approach was particularly effective in the prepaid segment, where E-Plus led with a 20-30% share, emphasizing innovative tariffs independent of call destinations since 1998. The company responded to intensifying price wars by focusing on data services and network upgrades, such as HSPA+ enhancements, to differentiate from incumbents perceived as higher-quality but more expensive. E-Plus bolstered through targeted and sponsorships, including support for community events like the Weltkindertagsfest and initiatives for senior citizens, alongside a multi-brand to serve diverse segments. Performance metrics reflected the competitive pressures: blended ARPU fell to €10 per month in from €11 in , amid broader German ARPU trends declining to €15.60 monthly by due to price erosion and regulatory changes. Despite this, E-Plus maintained high through loyalty programs and a focus on postpaid growth, adding nearly a million postpaid users in alone. Overall, these dynamics positioned E-Plus as a key disruptor in a concentrated , with service revenues yielding about 15% share in .

Legacy and Current Status

E-Plus's legacy as a in affordable mobile services profoundly shaped the landscape, particularly through its early of prepaid tariffs, which it introduced as the second major operator after in the late . This focus on cost-effective, flexible plans spurred widespread prepaid across the industry, challenging traditional postpaid models and expanding access to mobile services for budget-conscious consumers. By emphasizing competitive pricing, E-Plus influenced market dynamics, contributing to a more diverse and accessible telecom ecosystem that prioritized value-driven offerings. The 2014 merger with Telefónica Deutschland reduced the number of major mobile operators in Germany from four to three, fostering intensified competition while enabling substantial infrastructure investments. This consolidation facilitated accelerated network enhancements, positioning Germany among Europe's leaders in 5G deployment, with coverage reaching approximately 93.85% of the national territory by mid-2025 according to regulatory assessments. Former E-Plus customers, numbering around 25 million at the time of the merger, were seamlessly integrated into the O2 portfolio, bolstering the combined entity's customer base to over 34.7 million mobile lines by June 2025. Key archival elements, such as E-Plus numbering ranges including the 0178 prefix, were retained post-merger to maintain service continuity, while legacy contracts underwent migration to O2 tariffs primarily between 2016 and 2017, with full brand phase-out completed by 2018. As of 2025, E-Plus operates solely as an integrated component of Telefónica Deutschland, with no independent entity remaining; all assets, including spectrum and infrastructure, support O2-branded services generating annual revenues of €8.5 billion in 2024. This full assimilation has yielded ongoing synergies, such as optimized network operations, while preserving E-Plus's innovative spirit in emerging technologies. Looking ahead, O2 Telefónica is actively contributing to 6G development through collaborations on quantum technologies for enhanced network security and efficiency, aligning with Germany's broader research initiatives to pioneer next-generation connectivity by the early 2030s.