Expansion of fiber optics continuing swiftly

Saxony-Anhalt Pushes Forward with Fiber Optic and 5G Expansion

Saxony-Anhalt, a German state, is making significant strides in its fiber optic expansion, with a connection rate of around 70 percent. However, there are still challenges to be addressed, particularly in the Harz region and sparsely populated rural areas, where "white spots" remain.

Dr. Lydia Hüskens, the Minister of Infrastructure and Digitalisation of Saxony-Anhalt, has emphasized the need for further acceleration of both fiber optic and mobile network expansion. To this end, she will address the population via radio spots about the benefits of fiber optics.

In a bid to facilitate the expansion, Saxony-Anhalt has signed a framework agreement with mobile network operators and Tower Companies. This agreement grants access to state-owned buildings and sites for mobile antennas and towers. The Tower Companies involved in the agreement are collectively referred to as companies responsible for erecting mobile communication towers.

The state's goal is to supply all households and businesses with fiber optics by 2030. This target is the central building block of Saxony-Anhalt's gigabit strategy for the next five years. However, Minister Hüskens has not mentioned any new aspects of this strategy or any new targets for 5G mobile network expansion.

The framework agreement includes standard contracts and uniform rental fees, and it is also recommended for use by municipalities. This move is expected to streamline the process and expedite the expansion efforts.

Minister Hüskens has also stressed the importance of simplification, deregulation, and digitalization of approval procedures to become better and faster. She did not mention any new initiatives or campaigns related to the promotion of fiber optics, but the state will campaign for three months with "Fiber optics - we need it" and "Fiber optics - we have it".

This year's Fiber Day, attended by around 250 guests from politics, business, municipalities, and the telecommunications industry, served as a platform to discuss these strategies and challenges. Despite the progress made, there is still much to be done to overcome the remaining "white spots" and ensure that all households and businesses in Saxony-Anhalt have access to fiber optics by 2030.