Expert interview on broadband with Dr. Stephan Albers, Managing Director of the German Broadband Association (Bundesverband Breitbandkommunikation e.V.). The interview was conducted by Dr. Nina Strumann (Corporate Communications). This article recently appeared in our egeNews.
COVID-19 and the lockdown have shown us all the importance of high-performance data networks. In your view, does COVID provide new arguments for fiber optic expansion or for “homes activated” (households signing contracts)?
Dr. Albers: “The Corona situation has made it clear to many how important a high-performance digital infrastructure is. Whether working from home or video calls with family – without fast internet, all of this is hardly possible. Customers are aware of this, both in the private and business sectors. Demand is growing significantly: More and more customers are interested in a fiber optic connection, and existing customers are asking for higher bandwidths – our market analysis 20 proves this impressively (see infographic 1).”
Infographic 1: Demand for fast internet during the Corona pandemic
Since the beginning of the Corona pandemic, more users are opting for faster internet connections and requesting more bandwidth.
49% of network operators have been actively asked by their existing customers for an internet connection with more bandwidth since the beginning of the Corona pandemic. Fiber to the home office: Business and private activities are increasingly taking place at home.
43% of network operators have observed increased demand from new customers for faster internet connections since the beginning of the Corona pandemic.
Despite billions in funding, broadband expansion in Germany is far behind its targets. From the perspective of the German Broadband Association (BREKO), what are the biggest hurdles?
Dr. Albers: “In Germany, too many parties relied on copper for far too long. Now, however, the expansion has gained new momentum and is starting to overtake. The so-called fiber optic quota, i.e., the share of fiber optic connections in the fixed-line market, is steadily increasing, and more and more investors are getting involved. Difficulties arise not only from a lack of construction and planning capacities but also from the approval procedures in Germany. In short: Less bureaucracy, more fiber optics! (see infographic 2).”
Civil engineering capacities in Germany are generally considered a limiting factor in achieving expansion targets. From BREKO’s perspective, what measures are necessary to improve the situation?
Dr. Albers: “Civil engineering capacities remain a bottleneck. BREKO has recognized this and therefore developed a tool with its civil engineering exchange that brings together network operators and civil engineers who have not previously worked together (www.tiefbauboerse.de). However, the training and further education of specialists in planning and construction is also an important topic that BREKO actively supports.”
Infographic 2: Approved funding in the federal broadband funding program
Only 500 million euros in funds have been accessed so far. The rest of the funds still need to be “put in the ground.”
The topic of cooperation with Deutsche Telekom in network expansion is increasingly becoming en vogue. How does BREKO view this topic?
Dr. Albers: “Cooperations can significantly advance fiber optic expansion. A good example here is Glasfaser Nordwest – Here, EWE and Deutsche Telekom combine their strengths to jointly expand fiber optic networks. Such cooperations are a good means of accelerating expansion and avoiding economically senseless duplicate construction. Speaking of cooperations: Fiber optic expansion in Emsdetten and Münster is now also taking place through cooperations – that is forward-looking!
And let me add one more thing: For fiber optic expansion, you also need strong partners like egeplast. Because: Premium networks need premium pipe systems!”
Whether working from home or video calls with family – without fast internet, all of this is hardly possible. Cooperations are a good means of accelerating expansion. For fiber optic expansion, you also need strong partners like egeplast.
