Bonn/Gundelsheim, 13.06.2024 As part of the Fiber for Future initiative, the Bundesverband Breitbandkommunikation e.V. (BREKO) has honored Jonas Merzbacher as a digital politician. In recent months, the mayor of Gundelsheim has campaigned for the nationwide expansion of fiber optics in the municipality in the district of Bamberg.

The BREKO honors local politicians who set important digital policy impulses in their political work. Thanks to Jonas Merzbacher’s commitment, the expansion of a comprehensive and future-proof fibre-optic infrastructure in Gundelsheim has been driven forward in recent months – thus promoting the digitalization of the municipality in many places, for example with the citizen service portal or the modern library, which has public Wi-Fi as a meeting place. In future, more than 1,600 households and businesses in Gundelsheim will be supplied with fast internet via fiber optics by Deggendorf-based internet provider LEONET over a route of around 25 kilometers.

Roman Skrodzki, local policy officer at BREKO, praised Merzbacher’s commitment: “We know that citizens have many questions about fiber optic expansion. As mayor, you have tackled the private-sector expansion of Gundelsheim so that the municipality will remain on a par with the conurbations in the digital world in the future. Particularly during the information and pre-marketing phase, you provided important impetus in the municipality and made the issue a top priority.”

Jonas Merzbacher: “This award makes me very happy and confirms that I have set the right course for the digital future of Gundelsheim. Nothing works alone, so I would like to pass on the award and my thanks to the town hall team. We are happy that in the end so many citizens were aware of the scope and opportunity of the fiber optic expansion and that everyone pulled together so that we met the 25% quota required for the self-sufficient expansion.”

Martin Naber, Managing Director of LEONET: “When it comes to fiber optic expansion, providers and mayors have to work hand in hand; it needs the backing of the municipality. Mr. Merzbacher has recognized the need of the hour and has done valuable persuasive work with his commitment. Fiber optics will take Gundelsheim’s infrastructure to a new level and will last for the next generation.”

More information on the Fiber for Future initiative: https://www.fiber-for-future.de/kommunale-digitalpolitiker-in/