FIBERWEEK launches with new impetus for digitization

Digitization experts, associations and network operators discuss at the opening congress

First virtual fibre optic trade fair FIBERWEEK from 12 to 16 October
63 exhibitors in 7 exhibition halls
Dr. Katrin Suder talks about digital skills in the economy
Interview with VKU Managing Director Ingbert Liebing

With FIBERWEEK, the German Broadband Communications Association (BREKO) is turning the successful FIBERDAYS trade fair into a virtual trade fair event for the telecommunications and digital industry for the first time from October 12 to 16, 2020. The main topics of the trade fair are fibre optic expansion and digitalization in Germany. As part of the opening congress, Dr. Katrin Suder, Chairwoman of the Federal Government’s Digital Council, Ingbert Liebing, Managing Director of the German Association of Local Utilities (VKU), Felix Falk, Managing Director of the German Games Industry Association (game) and Norbert Westfal and Dr. Stephan Albers from BREKO discussed digital progress and Germany’s future viability with Professor Dr. Jens Böcker today. The most important topic was the digital infrastructure as the basis for digitalization and digital business models.
“There is no longer any question as to whether we need fibre optics to homes and businesses. Germany is well on the way to expanding fiber optics. However, we also need to set the right framework conditions in order to further accelerate the expansion: Approval procedures must be simplified and accelerated. In addition, funding should primarily focus on closing remaining white spots” – with this clear statement, BREKO President Norbert Westfal opened the first virtual FIBERWEEK today.
Opening congress with important industry experts
Dr Katrin Suder emphasized the great importance of digitalization for the future viability of the German economy: “I believe that we in Germany have all the ingredients to be digitally competitive. What we need is an open mindset, committed minds and diversity – whether in business or administration. Our strength is German industry and SMEs. This strength must now be brought into line with the digital world. The message has reached politicians and businesses. It is now important that the economy becomes active. Every company, every city and every municipality must mobilize its own forces. Of course, this also applies to infrastructure expansion as a basis.”
BREKO Managing Director Dr. Stephan Albers made it clear that fiber optic expansion will continue to be driven primarily by the market itself in the future and that a clever interplay between self-supported and subsidized expansion is therefore necessary. “It’s like a good cocktail. It depends on the right mix. Financial investors are available. It’s not a question of money. It makes no sense to dump EUR 10 billion into the market. The additional funding that we certainly need must be dosed and stretched over a longer period of time and targeted at areas where supply is particularly poor.” With a view to the increasing importance of stable Internet access for citizens and companies, Albers emphasized: “In these times, FTTH not only stands for Fiber to the Home, but also for Fiber to the Home Office in particular.”
Ingbert Liebing, Managing Director of the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU), spoke about the role of municipal companies in digitalization: “The best digital business model is useless if the supplier is stuck in a dead zone or hidden champions are stuck with the old copper network. The expansion of fiber optic networks remains one of the biggest construction sites, which is slowing down agriculture and SMEs with their company headquarters in rural areas in particular. We therefore appeal to the federal government to ensure good framework conditions with the TKG amendment so that fiber optics can be expanded to the last milk can and the business location can benefit.”
In his opening remarks, Professor Dr. Jens Böcker from Bonn Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences ventured a forecast for the further expansion of the digital infrastructure in Germany: “My forecast is that we will see major upward changes in the expansion of fiber optics over the next few years. That is certain for me.”
Important digital topics on five trade fair days
Digitalization, smart cities and regions and Germany’s digital infrastructure: the five days of the FIBERWEEK trade fair are packed with discussion panels, presentations and interviews on important digital topics. The current dispute over the 450 MHz frequencies, the federal government’s broadband funding program and the network conversion from copper to fibre optic networks will be among the topics discussed at the trade fair. On Wednesday, representatives from Telekom, ZDF, RTL and Joyn will discuss new media and the development of TV offerings as a future-oriented telecommunications topic. The highlights will be complemented by practical examples such as the Smart City project around Berlin-Tegel Airport, the fiber optic 5G cooperation between 1&1 Versatel and BREKO and best practice reports on the financing and expansion of fiber optic networks. You can find the entire agenda HERE.