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.

Brussels, January 12, 2023 The German Broadband Association (BREKO) today honored the first digital politician at EU level in Brussels as part of its "Fiber for Future" initiative. The award was presented to MEP Dr. Patrick Breyer for his commitment to digital civil rights and digital policy.

Bonn/Brussels, 14.12.2022 - With the state aid guidelines for broadband networks published on Monday, the European Commission sets out the rules for assessing future national broadband support programs. Member states must have state aid measures approved by the EU Commission in advance. In the view of the German Broadband Association (BREKO), the new regulations contain a positive innovation with regard to the determination of market failure, but miss the opportunity to consistently focus the new instrument of fiber optic vouchers on the promotion of new networks. An important lever for the fastest possible fibre-optic expansion in Germany remains the prioritization of funding to particularly poorly supplied areas without self-sufficient expansion potential.

The gigabit land register can make a contribution to facilitating and therefore speeding up the expansion of the digital infrastructure. To this end, telecommunications companies in particular must be given prompt access to real estate, cadastral and land register data.

Berlin, 07.12.2022 - One year after its inauguration, the German government will meet with representatives from business, science and society on Thursday and Friday for the Digital Summit 2022. On this occasion, the German Broadband Association (BREKO) is taking stock of digital policy after one year of a traffic light government.

Bonn / Naumburg (Saale), 29.11.2022 The Bundesverband Breitbandkommunikation e.V. (BREKO) and the Mobilfunkinfrastrukturgesellschaft mbH (MIG) have agreed on a cooperation to simplify and accelerate the subsidized development of "white mobile network spots". To this end, BREKO and MIG have concluded a model agreement on the basis of which BREKO member companies can make their fiber optic networks available for subsidized mobile communications projects.

Bonn, 28.11.2022 BREKO member company Deutsche Glasfaser and Vodafone today announced a long-term cooperation for the joint use of Deutsche Glasfaser's fiber optic network. The two companies are thus focusing on cooperation instead of superstructure in order to rapidly advance the expansion of fiber optics in Germany. Opening up existing fiber optic networks for use by competitors is now established practice.