Fibre optics cables at a construction site on a Germa street. The German government wants to speed up the expansion of fibre optics and mobile communications. (picture alliance/dpa)
The German government wants to speed up the expansion of fibre optics and mobile communications. After lengthy negotiations within the government, the cabinet approved a draft law to accelerate the expansion of telecommunications networks.
“We are sending an important signal to companies that we are resolutely pushing ahead with digitalisation,” said Digital Affairs Minister Volker Wissing . Environmental protection and modernisation of the country would be harmonised.
In future, the expansion of telecommunications networks is to be in the “overriding public interest” for a limited period until 2030, which should give companies legal certainty.
The government's goal is to provide Germany with nationwide fibre optic coverage and state-of-the-art mobile communications standards by 2030. According to the ministry, there is currently 92% coverage for high-speed 5G mobile communications and progress is being made with the expansion of fibre optics.
There is already an overriding public interest in the expansion of renewable energies, for example. This should enable local authorities to prioritise the expansion when weighing up nature conservation, for example.
The Environment Ministry has signalled its approval. A spokesperson said that a rapid expansion of the telecommunications infrastructure was in the interests of all departments involved.
Stephan Albers, Managing Director of the German Broadband Association, said that the law lacked the substance to facilitate and accelerate network expansion.
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