The German Broadband Association (BREKO) today reiterated its criticism of the draft Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA) at an event held jointly with the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) in Brussels. The main point of criticism is that the GIA in its current form would slow down the expansion of fiber optics in Europe instead of accelerating it, because it favors the strategic overbuilding of fiber optic networks. BREKO is therefore calling on the European Parliament and the European Council to amend the draft and take into account the special features of the markets of individual member states.

At the second BREKO Glass Fiber Forum Baden-Württemberg today, the state parliament's digital politicians discussed with over 170 representatives of the telecommunications industry, municipalities, districts and trade associations how the state can catch up in terms of fiber optic expansion. The core topics were the correct use of subsidies, the avoidance of duplicate expansion, the establishment of modern installation methods, the digitalization of approval procedures and the challenges of fibre optic expansion in apartment buildings.

BREKO welcomes the fact that the publication of the gigabit funding program by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV) now provides clarity on how to proceed with fiber optic funding. BREKO is critical of the fact that the funding program does not contain any effective mechanisms to target funding to the municipalities that really need state support measures to improve local Internet coverage.

- 6,500 visitors: Leading trade fair for fiber optic expansion with new visitor record - Politics and industry focus on open access - Industry communicates new cooperation agreements - BREKO presents key figures for sustainable network expansion Wiesbaden, March 16, 2023 Fiberdays 2023 ends today with a new visitor record and continues its growth course as the leading trade fair for fiber optic expansion. The congress also provides important impetus on the second day. The strong competition for Germany's fiber optic networks is one of the most discussed topics at this year's Fiberdays. With the announcement of new cooperation agreements, BREKO member companies are following up their commitment to Open Access with action.

The German Broadband Association (BREKO) is opening the 2023 trade fair season for the telecommunications industry today with Fiberdays. 230 international exhibitors are presenting their latest products and services relating to real fiber optics on more than 10,000 square meters. In the top-class congress program, representatives from politics and the industry will discuss how the German government's ambitious fiber optic targets can be achieved in times of overbuilding, a shortage of skilled workers and inflation. Expert speakers from the digital and fibre optic industry will cover all current topics relating to digital infrastructure in the 100-hour workshop and seminar program.

High-performance fiber optic networks need attractive content to show what they are capable of. The opportunities, prospects and challenges that arise from this interaction for network operators and content providers will be the focus of the Media Hall at Fiberdays 2023 on March 15 and 16, 2023 in Wiesbaden.

BREKO and VATM welcome the publication of the results of the 'Analysis of the potential of self-built fiber optic expansion in Germany' by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV). The analysis impressively shows that 91%, i.e. the vast majority of fiber optic connections in Germany, can be built economically without the use of tax revenues.

We welcome the fact that the European Commission, as requested by BREKO, is conducting an open-ended consultation before working out possible solutions for large tech companies such as Google, Meta or Netflix to contribute to the costs of network expansion. Involving large tech companies in the costs can further strengthen the momentum of fiber optic expansion. However, it is crucial that it is implemented in a way that ensures fair competition in the telecommunications market.

BREKO criticizes the EU Commission's draft for the Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA). The legislative proposal does not provide the hoped-for boost for the further expansion of fiber optics in Europe. Instead, the proposal provides incentives for a strategic double expansion of fiber optic networks. BREKO therefore sees an urgent need for improvements to the proposed legislation. The European Parliament is now called upon to make fundamental adjustments in order to make fiber optic expansion in Europe faster and more efficient.

Bonn/Wiesbaden, 17.01.2023 Germany's leading trade fair for fibre optic expansion and digitalization will take place from 15-16 March at the RheinMain CongressCentrum (RMCC) Wiesbaden. By returning to its traditional date in March, the event opens the 2023 trade fair season for the telecommunications industry. Tickets for the two-hall exhibition with more than 200 exhibitors, including a conference program on the most important topics of the fiber optic year, are now available.