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Baden-Württemberg Aims for Widespread Gigabit Connectivity

The government of Baden-Württemberg is spearheading an ambitious plan to rapidly expand its fiber-optic network, with the ultimate goal of achieving widespread gigabit connectivity. This initiative, driven by cooperation and clear priorities, aims to make over 120,000 fiber-optic connections available across the region, including the Karlsruhe area and surrounding towns like Waghäusel and Weingarten, by 2028.

The 'Glasfaserpakt Baden-Württemberg', a binding agreement for broadband expansion, forms the backbone of this project. The region is investing over twelve million euros into its digital infrastructure, with the Karlsruhe region serving as a pioneer in broadband expansion.

Deutsche Glasfaser, a private-sector player, is supplementing the funded expansion in Waghaeusel with a large-scale project. In Waghaeusel alone, 1,344 connections will be created, encompassing a school, 173 commercial enterprises, and 30 public buildings.

Meanwhile, Weingarten (Baden) will receive funding of 556,672 euros and create 181 new connections, including a school, 32 commercial enterprises, and six public buildings. The city of Waghaeusel will receive around 4.3 million euros for the new funding project.

Minister Thomas Strobl, District Administrator Dr. Christoph Schnaudigel, and Mayor Thomas Deuschle recently inaugurated a section of the municipal fiber optic network in Waghaeusel. Minister Strobl also emphasized the progress in broadband expansion in Baden-Württemberg, reiterating the Ministry's goal to bring the region to the gigabit goal.

The Ministry of the Interior, for Digitalization and Local Government, is opting for cooperation instead of overlap in broadband expansion, aiming for a unified and efficient approach to this digital endeavour. Minister Strobl has also awarded funding decisions for fiber optic network expansion in the Karlsruhe district.

This collaborative effort towards a digital, innovative future is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in Baden-Württemberg, ensuring that its citizens and businesses have access to the high-speed connectivity necessary for a thriving digital economy.