Internet - Brandenburg wants to advance the expansion of the fiber optic network
Brandenburg will advance the expansion of the fiber-optic network in the coming years. The goal is to make fast internet available as widely as possible outside of larger cities. According to a strategy paper from the Economic Ministry of the State of Brandenburg, discussed at the Minister Conference at the Investment Bank of the State of Brandenburg, "access to fast internet is a matter of course for the state government". Therefore, there should be no more white spots where no fast internet is available, nor gray spots where it is only available without a fiber-optic connection.
In Brandenburg, there should be no more white spots
From the perspective of the state government, companies in the industry are needed for the expansion, but public funding is also necessary. For example, the state supports 14 districts and the three free cities of Brandenburg an der Havel, Cottbus and Frankfurt (Oder) in 37 expansion projects within the framework of the "White Spot Support Program" of the Federal Government.
This involves a total of around 145,000 connections that should be available by 2026. The state adds 356 million euros to the 580 million euros in federal funds.
Not even every second household has a fiber-optic connection yet
According to the Economic Ministry, less than half (41%) of the households in Brandenburg had a fiber-optic connection at the end of 2023. The state was therefore, according to ministry statements, about eight percentage points above the federal average.
A comprehensive coverage is considered of great importance for the future of Brandenburg by Economics Minister Jörg Steinbach. "Much is now oriented towards digital processes and applications and simplifies work and life, especially in rural, less densely populated regions, as we often find in Brandenburg," the SPD politician writes in the strategy paper.
- The BMWi (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action) has acknowledged the importance of Brandenburg's economic policy in expanding fiber-optic networks, as stated in the Minister Conference at the Investment Bank of the State of Brandenburg.
- The German Government, through its "White Spot Support Program," is providing funding for the expansion of fiber-optic networks in 14 districts and three cities in Brandenburg, aiming to cover about 145,000 connections by 2026.
- Brandenburg's Economic Ministry aims to eliminate both white spots and gray spots, ensuring that fast internet is available not only in larger cities but also in rural areas, thereby promoting the expansion of industries and digital transformation in the region.
- With the support of public funds and private companies, the state government is working towards a digital future by significantly increasing the number of fiber-optic connections, as the internet becomes an essential tool for modern living and business.
