Bonn/Borken, 18.07.24 The German Broadband Communications Association (BREKO) today awarded Borken the title of “Real Fiber Optic Municipality”. Germany’s leading fiber optic association thus honors the town from the Münsterland region for its comprehensive fiber optic expansion.

The BREKO awards the “Real fiber-optic municipality” seal to cities and municipalities in which the proportion of available fiber-optic connections in relation to the total number of all households and companies is over 90%. In Borken, this so-called fiber optic ratio is currently 95.8% and is set to rise further towards full coverage in the coming years.

According to the BREKO Market Analysis 2023, Borken is therefore well above the average fiber optic ratio in North Rhine-Westphalia (32%) and the national average of 35.6%.

Roman Skrodzki, BREKO Municipal Policy Officer: “The city of Borken tackled the nationwide fiber optic expansion at an early stage and brought strong partners on board. Full fiber optic connectivity is a digital boost for residents, businesses and administration.”

Mechthild Schulze Hessing, Mayor of Borken: “A comprehensive fiber optic network is essential for the economic efficiency and future viability of Borken as a business and residential location and forms the foundation for long-term competitiveness. We are therefore delighted to receive this award. With the subsequent “gray spots” funding program, we are continuing to ensure that as many people as possible have access to this future-proof network.”

Stephan Klaus, Head of Area Development at Deutsche Glasfaser Group: “We at Deutsche Glasfaser have expanded the majority of the district town of Borken and its districts with a future-proof infrastructure. We, and in particular the more than 500 colleagues at the Borken site, are therefore extremely pleased to receive the award for Borken.”

Gerd Gevering, Managing Director of epcan GmbH: “Borken’s award as a digitalization pioneer is well deserved and sends a strong signal for the region. As epcan, we are proud to have played our part in this success and look forward to continuing to help shape Borken’s digital future.”

Denis Ebbing, authorized signatory at Muenet GmbH & Co KG: “FTTH fibre optic internet is an important building block for strengthening the future viability, attractiveness and competitiveness of a region. We are therefore delighted and proud that MUENET can support Borken’s path into the digital future with the fiber optic expansion in our neighboring district.”

The “Echte Glasfaser-Kommune” is part of the “Fiber for Future” initiative, under which BREKO has been awarding prizes to politicians and network operators for several years. Further information can be found at fiberforfuture.de.

Municipalities with a fiber optic ratio of over 90 percent can apply to the BREKO for the “Real Fiber Optic Municipality” seal by e-mail: skrodzki@brekoverband.de