Building networks / network level 4

As fiber optic expansion progresses, the expansion of fiber optics within buildings, the so-called “network level 4” (NE4), is becoming more of a focus. In this context, several issues still need to be addressed. These include facilitating the acquisition of permits and expansion rights within buildings, as well as questions related to technical implementation and financing. BREKO is advocating for improvements in various committees and working groups, as well as with ministries and policymakers, and in dialogue with the housing industry.

FAQ

BREKO: One of the issues in acquiring permits is the identification of property owners. If land registries even grant access to expanding companies, the data is often incomplete, and the retrieval process is not suitable for mass queries or in formats that can be processed further. BREKO is advocating for improvements. Ideally, a centralized database with ownership data would allow expanding companies to access it online. As an interim step, at least an improvement in data quality and query capabilities at the land registries should be pursued.

BREKO: There are various technical standards and recommendations for expansion at network level 4. However, no technical minimum standards have been mandated so far. Article 10, paragraph 4 of the Gigabit Infrastructure Regulation (GIA) stipulates that EU member states must establish corresponding minimum standards for NE4 expansion and the components used there by November 2025. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) has set up a working group on this, in which BREKO is involved.

Our aim is to provide those involved with sufficient planning security and to ensure a minimum standard for expansion quality, while at the same time maintaining the highest possible degree of flexibility.

BREKO: The fiber optic provisioning fee is designed as co-financing for fiber optic expansion within buildings and is intended, among other things, to help bring expansion projects within buildings above the economic feasibility threshold, which otherwise would not have been implemented or would have been delayed. Although it is used in some projects, it has not been utilized to the extent that was expected when it was introduced.

BREKO considers the fiber optic provisioning fee (GFBE) to be a suitable financing instrument; however, legislative adjustments are necessary. The amounts should be adjusted in light of the significant inflation since the introduction of the GFBE in 2021, even though it is not intended to enable full financing. The transfer of the operating obligation to the housing industry after the provisioning period without a transfer of ownership is discouraging for the housing industry and should be corrected. Additionally, the free access for demanders to the building network created with the help of the GFBE should be discussed, as it is merely a co-financing mechanism, and the builder of the NE4 infrastructure contributes an equity share that must, among other things, be refinanced through wholesale charges.

Documents

Präsentation: Rechtliche Aspekte des Netzausbaus und Netzzugangs im Gebäude Download (579 KB)

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Benedikt Kind

Leiter Recht und Regulierungsgrundsätze

Benedikt Kind