Fiber optic expansion in Baden-Württemberg: Who will be left behind on the Internet?

Fiber optic expansion in Baden-Württemberg: Who will be left behind on the Internet?

There is a significant discrepancy in fiber optic expansion in Baden-Württemberg. While 35.69% of households across Germany have a fiber optic connection, this proportion in the southwestern state is only 22.59% (as of June 2024). Tagesschau reports that Baden-Württemberg is in last place in a nationwide comparison.

The differences within the country are clear. In Ulm, for example, only 4.77% of households have a fiber optic connection. In contrast, in the Heilbronn district it is an impressive 58.55%. This is where positive infrastructure planning and a strong partnership with network providers come into play. Ulm, on the other hand, benefits from gigabit-capable cable connections, which are often accepted as sufficient by end customers.

Challenges and reasons for the slow expansion

The responsibility for fiber optic expansion lies primarily with private telecommunications companies such as Vodafone and Telekom. They usually decide where expansion makes economic sense. Funding from the state or federal government only occurs if no economic expansion is planned. The need for expansion is particularly high in topographically challenging areas, such as the southern Black Forest and the Swabian Alb. Many communities here feel inadequately provided for.

One reason for the slow progress is the high availability of gigabit-capable TV cable networks. End customers often prefer existing connections to more expensive fiber optic contracts. In addition, the state government has relied heavily on state funding in recent years, but there is a lack of stable framework conditions for the companies involved.

Funding programs and support

Since 2016, a total of 3.24 billion euros has been made available for 3,735 funding projects. A further 1.1 billion euros are earmarked for broadband expansion in the 2025/2026 double budget. In order to successfully apply for funding, areas in which the expansion is to take place must be defined as underserved. This means that a minimum of 500 Mbit/s download or 200 Mbit/s symmetrical is required, according to the EU's NGA framework. Baden-Württemberg states that only underserved areas may be supported.

Applications for funding can be made electronically via the service-bw service portal. The goal is a funding rate of up to 90%. Providers must demonstrate that they want to build NGA broadband infrastructure in the selected area within three years. A market survey is required to ensure that no private sector company has expressed interest in the expansion.

Consumer advice and attempted fraud

Consumers must be aware that longer waiting times for a fiber optic connection are possible. Therefore, it is advised to consider a plan B to return to an old provider if necessary. There are also cases of fraud related to fiber optic connections, particularly in the form of door-to-door sales and misleading information. Before concluding a contract, consumers should carefully calculate their personal needs.

The development of prices also shows a trend: DSL contracts with lower bandwidths are becoming more expensive, while fiber optic offers are often cheaper. Laying fiber optic cables is cheaper for homeowners, while tenants usually need their landlord's consent.