Digital Radio Integrity Insured by Federal Government for Lighting Authorities

The Federal Court of Auditors has raised concerns about the shortcomings in ensuring radio coverage in disaster situations, particularly in tunnels. This issue has become a subject of debate, with the AfD parliamentary group expressing concerns about insufficient availability of emergency services radio in German tunnels.

The German Federal Government operates a digital radio service for security tasks, jointly with state governments. This service, in operation since 2007, is generally reliable and covers most buildings and infrastructures. However, the government cannot guarantee full, comprehensive availability in all tunnels due to technical challenges.

A nationwide network failure on May 6, 2022, due to a technical problem was cited as evidence of vulnerability in critical infrastructure. To address this, regular consultations with the states, the Federal Police, and Deutsche Bahn lead to concrete individual measures to ensure full coverage.

Seamless communication in tunnel facilities is considered indispensable due to the high risk for deployment forces and those affected. The necessity of a tunnel radio facility is determined by object-related measurements. The Ministry of the Interior states that radio-technical equipment according to guidelines for engineering structures is provided for all tunnels on federal highways and federal roads since 2016.

Building authorities are responsible for planning, construction, and operation of such transmitters, and can be required to equip their buildings or infrastructures with appropriate technology through a permit procedure or other public law regulations. However, the government does not have exact knowledge of the supply situation in underpasses or traffic routes through mountains.

When new tunnels are built or renovated, the executing building authority must usually involve the responsible fire department. The responsibility for ensuring uninterrupted digital radio coverage in all tunnels on federal motorways and federal roads by July 1 lies with the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (Bundesministerium für Verkehr und digitale Infrastruktur).

The government acknowledges that in places without sufficient field coverage, additional stationary radio facilities for digital radio may be necessary. The responsible fire department determines whether and which radio technology is to be installed. The legal basis for ensuring radio coverage can be found in state building codes or regulations for fire and disaster protection.

In conclusion, while the digital radio service for security tasks has been generally reliable, the government is taking steps to address concerns about coverage in tunnels and other critical infrastructure. Regular consultations, the involvement of responsible authorities, and the implementation of new guidelines are all part of the ongoing efforts to ensure seamless communication in disaster situations.