Berlin, 17.05.24 – Today, the Federal Council discussed the EU Commission’s White Paper on the future of digital infrastructure in Europe and adopted specific demands. Dr. Stephan Albers, Managing Director of the German Broadband Association (BREKO), comments:

“The fact that the federal states are jointly discussing regulations for the expansion of fiber optics in Europe and adopting demands for strong competition on the telecommunications market and for the transition from copper to fiber optic networks is something we view very positively. The federal states have recognized that the framework conditions for the expansion of fibre optics in their municipalities are created not least in Brussels.

The Federal Council’s opposition to measures aimed at concentrating the market on large pan-European companies is a strong signal. The EU Commission has not yet provided any argument as to why a consolidated telecommunications market with a few large players would lead to more investment. In Germany, the competitors of the former monopolist Deutsche Telekom were the first to get the fiber optic expansion rolling with their investments and are currently responsible for two thirds of the expansion. European telecommunications regulation in favor of a few large corporations would be a major threat to competition, consumer prices and the further expansion of digital infrastructure in Germany and Europe.

It is also to be welcomed that the Federal Council supports the call for measures to accelerate copper-fiber optic migration in line with competition and considers this to be a sustainable measure for Europe. The corresponding announcement by the EU Commission must be followed by action after the European elections in the planned Digital Networks Act and in the member states. Clear rules are needed for a swift transition in line with competition. The envisaged goal of a complete shutdown of all European copper networks by 2030 underlines the urgency of the issue, but is unrealistic for Germany.

We expect the Federal Government to take the resolutions of the Bundesrat seriously and send a clear signal to Brussels: Fiber optic expansion in Europe is the result of strong competition. Ideas for a “one size fits all” solution and efforts that would lead to a restriction of competition should be removed from the table as quickly as possible.”