The BMDV is enabling applications for consulting services for gigabit expansion in Germany. From today, April 15, 2024, applications for funding for consulting services can be submitted. This is based on the directive “Funding to support the gigabit expansion of telecommunications networks in the Federal Republic of Germany – Federal Gigabit Directive 2.0 (Gigabit-RL 2.0)” of 31.03.2023. As part of Gigabit-RL 2.0, the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport is funding the expansion of gigabit-capable telecommunications networks and the use of consulting services for the technical support of corresponding projects. A new call for infrastructure funding is to be published in April 2024.
All local authorities that have not yet received approval for an application for consultancy services under the “Gigabit Directive” are eligible to apply. In the new call, independent cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants and rural districts can receive a maximum of EUR 200,000 in funding for consultancy services.
Applications can still be submitted easily via our online platform:
The consulting services are to be used, among other things, for the evaluation of existing coverage gaps, the exploration of private sector expansion activities and the preparation of any infrastructure applications under the amended directive. From 15.04.2024, applications for funding for external consulting services can now be submitted in accordance with No. 3.3. of the Gigabit Guideline 2.0. Funded measures in accordance with No. 3.3 within the meaning of this call are consulting services for gigabit expansion and corresponding expansion projects with regard to the funding of the expansion of gigabit infrastructures.
The following useful and effective measures, for example, can currently be implemented by commissioning external consultancy services prior to the publication of future calls for funding for infrastructure projects:
- Viewing, processing and initial preparation of the data basis
- Implementation of industry dialogs
- Preparation of a market exploration procedure
A key component of the consulting services is the industry dialog. This format is intended to strengthen cooperation between local authorities and the local telecommunications industry and to sound out the private sector expansion potential of a local authority in advance of funding.
Information on conducting industry dialogs and the call text can be found on the pages of the Federal Gigabit Funding Program.
Document “Call for applications – Funding of consulting services from 15.04.2024″ download