In spring 2023, the Federal Government presented the Gigabit Strategy for Germany. It is intended to make the country fit for future digital challenges – with an expansion of the fibre optic network as well as nationwide mobile communications at a high level. Thus, fast internet and reliable mobile phone reception should become the standard in both urban and rural areas and form the basis for an efficient digital infrastructure. But what has happened since then? We take a look at the current status quo.
Slow internet and wireless gaps in the mobile network are a thorn in the side of many, especially in rural areas. In April 2023, just under 17% of the area in Germany was still not covered by all network operators with 4G or 5G.² Even greater potential for expansion can be found in the area of fibre optics: in December last year, only just under 10% of all broadband connections were implemented with fibre optics.³ But how has the situation developed in the meantime?
Goals of the Gigabit Strategy
The contents of the Gigabit Strategy raise hopes for better internet connections, especially in rural regions – both at home and on the road. The Federal Government has set itself the following goals with the Gigabit Strategy:¹
- At least half of the households in Germany are to be connected to the fast fibre-optic network by 2025
- Uninterrupted communication should be possible everywhere by 2026
- By 2030, all of Germany should be equipped with the latest mobile communications standard
These goals are also reflected in the demands of citizens: almost half of all customers of network provider competitors ask for bandwidths of 250 Mbit/s or more⁴ – fast and reliable internet has long been a necessity due to advancing digitalisation. In addition, the demand for FTTB or FTTH is growing among customers, i.e. for a fibre-optic connection directly into the building or their own home.⁴
Current development of the gigabit expansion
The expansion of fast internet connections in Germany is making progress: in the first half of 2023, the number of available gigabit connections rose by around 2.2 million to more than 40 million; just under 40 % of these connections are fibre-optic connections.⁴ This means that around 15 million households could already be using the future industry standard.
Likewise, citizens can already rely on fast mobile networks in most of Germany: The 5G network now covers more than 87% of Germany.²
However, not all customers can already enjoy the benefits of fibre optic expansion: About 30% of consumers are currently unable to get a fibre connection despite their interest. They are either tenants and therefore cannot decide independently on the type of connection in the house or they live in an area where no fibre optic connection has yet been installed.⁵
