On the aconium GmbH journey into the future, we meet people for whom digitalization is more than just a buzzword. 3 questions for … Holger Haupt, broadband officer for the Börde district.
Why are digitalization and broadband expansion such important issues for the Börde district?
Holger Haupt: A gigabit strategy requires a fiber optic network, which is why the municipalities of ARGE-Breitband have taken the initiative into their own hands and are building fiber optic networks right into homes across the board. At the same time, various digitization efforts are underway in all areas of society, administration, education and, of course, the economy. The education sector is particularly important to the district of Börde and ARGE-Breitband, as this is where the personal prerequisites for future players are created.
Why do you think it is so important to raise awareness among all age groups and all stakeholders from administration, business and science?
Haupt: If digital renewal – a technological revolution – is to succeed on an international scale, enormous efforts will be required in all areas. We must take all age groups of the population with us in this extremely rapid upheaval. There must be no exclusion or forgetting. Offers must be made available and, exceptionally, deadweight effects must be provided for.
What opportunities and risks does the digitization process entail?
Haupt: I would like to start with the risk. What we forget or omit today will take bitter revenge tomorrow. A poorly organized digitalization process is like deliberately accepting illiteracy. The opportunities, on the other hand, are similar to those of the industrial revolution or electrification. This is why the ARGE municipalities are building nationwide infrastructure networks, high-speed networks to connect all areas of life and the economy. Infrastructure is always the key to progress. Another opportunity lies in the participation of all population groups, combined with free access to educational opportunities. Education closes the circle, good education means good opportunities.