Bonn, 31.03.2022 At the BREKO DigiTalk, digital politicians from the CDU, SPD, FDP and Greens discussed the political course that needs to be set after the state elections in order to future-proof the digital infrastructure in Germany’s largest federal state.

Under the heading “Fiber optic expansion in NRW – What’s next after the election?”, the digital policy spokespersons of the democratic North Rhine-Westphalian state parliamentary groups discussed on Wednesday how they want to accelerate fiber optic expansion. The virtual panel discussion “DigiTalk NRW” was organized by the German Broadband Association (BREKO). Representatives of the companies Deutsche Glasfaser and 1&1 Versatel contributed the perspective of the telecommunications industry to the discussion – representing the more than 45 BREKO network operators involved in the fiber optic expansion in NRW.

The core topics of the discussion round were the acceleration and digitalization of approval procedures, the correct dovetailing of self-economic fibre optic expansion and public funding, possible synergies between 5G and fibre optic expansion, measures to increase demand and the increased use of alternative installation methods.

Jan Simons, Head of State and Municipal Policy at BREKO, highlighted the importance of new approaches by political players for accelerating the expansion of fiber optics against the backdrop of the current state of network infrastructure in NRW in his opening address.

Florian Braun, digital policy spokesperson for the CDU parliamentary group in the state parliament, emphasized the speed advantage of self-sufficient expansion: “Expansion is fastest where it is carried out by the market itself. We must not waste time with lengthy funding programs.” However, Christina Kampmann still saw a need for research for the next state government: “At the beginning of the next legislative period, we need to be honest again and take a self-critical look and analyze where there is potential to accelerate expansion.” The digital policy spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group in the NRW state parliament also named possible measures: “The implementation of the broadband portal can be particularly helpful in areas that are not so well connected. The digitization of the administration is also to be completed in the next legislature.”

Marcel Hafke, digital policy spokesperson for the FDP parliamentary group, emphasized the particular urgency of connecting companies and public institutions: “In order to remain fit for the future, industry and administration must be connected to the fibre optic network as quickly as possible.” He also considered it important “to show citizens the benefits of a fiber optic connection. Fiber optics is an investment in my property. If I don’t have a high-speed network in the future, it will be more difficult to sell a property.” Matthi Bolte-Richter, digital policy spokesperson for the Green Party in the NRW state parliament, brought another way of boosting private demand for FTTH into the discussion: “We need to raise awareness of the energy efficiency of fiber optic networks even more.” His call for faster approvals for fiber optic expansion was met with general agreement: “Long approval procedures are also expensive for the state. That’s why it’s important to standardize and digitize procedures. We also need to ask ourselves how we can anchor expertise more firmly in the administration, for example with regard to modern installation methods. We also have a shortage of skilled workers in the administration when it comes to expanding the digital infrastructure.”

Christof Sommerberg, Head of Public Affairs at Deutsche Glasfaser Holding, brought the perspective of the companies expanding fiber optics to the panel. He is currently observing “an unprecedented dynamic in the market.” “In order to accelerate the expansion of fibre optics, we need an effective interlinking of self-funded and subsidized expansion, the acceleration of approval procedures and the increased use of modern laying techniques,” he said, summarizing the industry’s priorities. He also made a proposal to promote private demand: “The voucher plays an important role in stimulating latent demand.”

One of the key messages from Dr. Sören Trebst, BREKO NRW regional group spokesperson and Managing Director of 1&1 Versatel, was that fiber optic expansion is also of crucial importance for the upcoming 5G network. “By the end of 2025, we will connect 3,600 antenna sites to the fiber optic network. The promise of 5G can only be kept with fiber optics. For this to succeed, we need to create synergies in the expansion. We are focusing on cooperations, including with municipal utilities.” He also saw great potential in the digitalization of approval procedures, which have often delayed expansion to date: “The new Telecommunications Act gives us new impetus to make procedures faster and more efficient. In order to implement the goal of the new TKG in every municipality, the most important thing is to digitalize them.” Existing pilot projects made him optimistic: “We hope that digital application procedures will significantly speed things up. We can see this where it has already been implemented.”

BREKO Managing Director Dr. Stephan Albers concluded the discussion on a positive note: “I am pleased that we are no longer turning fiber optic expansion into a party political issue. There is a commitment from all parties to real fiber optic expansion.” With a view to the development of the gigabit strategy at federal level, he emphasized the urgency of a new funding concept: “We need to find solutions for the effective dovetailing of self-funded and subsidized expansion before the upcoming state elections in NRW in May.”