BREKO welcomes the fact that the Federal Network Agency intends to strengthen competition in mobile communications for the benefit of both consumers and business customers as part of the planned extension of existing usage rights for mobile frequencies, which expire at the end of 2025. In order to sustainably strengthen competition in mobile communications and increase the variety of offers, an obligation to offer - a so-called service provider obligation - is absolutely necessary. The current obligation to negotiate has proven to be ineffective, as demonstrated by the dominance of the three established network operators in the 5G market.

In its current version, the Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA) would promote the strategic double expansion of fibre optic networks and jeopardize the expansion targets of the German government. To prevent the GIA from becoming a brake on expansion, BREKO appeals to the members of the European Parliament to reject the current draft in the committee meeting on September 19 and to make improvements to key points. BREKO also expects the German Federal Government, together with other states, to take a clear position in the European Council and demand changes.

- Fibre optic coverage in Germany at 35.6% in mid-2023 - Deutsche Telekom's competitors are investing more than ever in Germany's digitalization with EUR 8.4 billion. - Double expansion by Deutsche Telekom jeopardizes the federal government's fibre optic targets: reported cases in more than 220 municipalities - Schleswig-Holstein remains the frontrunner in a state comparison. Brandenburg with largest increase in fiber optic connections

The draft law is an important step towards even faster fiber optic and mobile expansion in Germany because it can help to remove existing hurdles, particularly in the area of approval procedures. However, some adjustments are still necessary in order to exploit the potential for acceleration.

Today, the German Broadband Association (BREKO) published a position paper on Open Access in fiber optic expansion. The aim is to lay the foundation for an industry standard with a concrete definition of Open Access in order to give the expansion of fiber optics in Germany an even greater boost and avoid economically pointless double expansion.

The entry into force of DIN 18220 for trenching, milling and ploughing methods is an important milestone for even more speed in fiber optic expansion. The new standard helps to overcome existing reservations in the approval authorities of local authorities and is therefore important for the increased use of these installation methods. They can not only speed up fiber optic expansion projects, but also conserve resources compared to traditional open trench construction methods.

The Board of Directors of the German Broadband Communications Association (BREKO) has bid farewell to its long-standing member Dirk Sasson, Managing Director of Stadtwerke Schwedt, and elected Fabian Bühring, responsible for telecommunications at Stadtwerke Neumünster, to the vacant position.

- 50 percent fiber optic coverage by 2025 and 100 percent by 2030: Ambitious targets, only achievable with the right framework conditions - DIN standard for modern installation methods: Important milestone for efficient fiber optic expansion, but application by municipalities crucial - Digital approval procedures: OZG broadband portal must be used quickly across the board - Fiber optic dual expansion: Telekom's tactical manoeuvres jeopardize expansion targets

The strong momentum of the fibre-optic expansion of the companies organized in our associations is already suffering from the actual or announced strategic over- or double expansion by Telekom and its subsidiary Glasfaser Plus. Well over 100 specific cases throughout Germany, as well as feedback from numerous municipal representatives, show that there is an urgent need for action.

BREKO welcomes the fact that the Advisory Board of the BNetzA has today spoken out in favor of strong competition with regard to the next allocation of mobile frequencies.