Glass fiber in the north: Schleswig-Holstein leads to rural network expansion

Glass fiber in the north: Schleswig-Holstein leads to rural network expansion

Digitization is a central topic of our time, especially in rural areas that often face challenges in internet care. A current report shows that only 190 villages in Germany with a population of less than 3,000 are fully equipped with fiber optic. This article illuminates the progress and challenges of fiber optic expansion, especially in Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony, where the infrastructure has made remarkable progress.

leading federal states in fiber optic reserves

Schleswig-Holstein has worked to the top of the fiber optic cover, with 121 fully supplied villages, which makes it a pioneer in Germany. Lower Saxony follows with 28 villages, which are also fully equipped with this fast internet connection. This shows that coordinated cooperation of local actors has a positive impact on the expansion of the digital infrastructure. The changed focus of the investments is also extremely important because many resources still flow to urban areas. This could further enlarge the digital clings between the city and the country.

reasons for the successful expansion in the north

The successes in the north do not run everywhere in Germany. Different factors play a crucial role in this. Experts, such as Jörg Schamberg from Verivox, attribute the good fiber optic supply to the early objective of Schleswig-Holstein, which strives for a complete cover. For this purpose, regional broadband competence centers are crucial that promote cooperation between providers and municipalities. The flat topography of the region also facilitates network expansion compared to mountainous regions.

slow progress in rural areas

Nevertheless, the spread of fiber fiber in rural areas remains behind the expectations. Despite the 190 analyzed 'fiber optic villages', this only makes up a fraction of less than three percent of the small communities. Schamberg warns that these slow progress in rural areas for future gigabit societies are critical and have to be tackled more. The focus on the metropolitan regions should not only create persistent discrepancies in internet availability, but also influence the competitive conditions for companies in rural areas.

Future view: glass fiber as standard

With a view to the future, the changeover from DSL to fiber optic is unstoppable. From February 2024, pilot projects for fiber optic change will be started in Germany. A Verivox survey shows that 46 percent of the population support this development. Nevertheless, Schamberg advises that consumers should not expect higher prices. The continuous information about the advantages of fiber optic, including higher speeds and cheaper tariffs, will be essential to promote broad acceptance among the population.

conclusion: a step into the digital future

The fiber optic expansion in Germany shows mixed results. While Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony progress with innovative approaches and a clear strategy, many rural communities continue to see disadvantaged. The successful change in the internet infrastructure will be decisive for competitiveness and social participation in the digital world. It will be necessary that all actors work closely together to achieve equality of internet availability in Germany.

- Nag