The coronavirus pandemic underscores the outstanding importance of a nationwide expansion of gigabit-capable networks throughout Germany. The digitalization of the economy and society is the key driver of our future. This engine should not come to a standstill. Delays in the implementation of broadband funding projects not only jeopardize jobs in the construction industry, but also jobs in the regional economy. In a letter dated March 23, 2020, the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (BMI) stated in a decree that federal construction measures should be continued wherever possible. The Federation of the German Construction Industry is also in favor of this – taking into account all necessary protective measures. This means that construction work on projects in the federal broadband funding program can, may and should continue – despite restrictions and precautionary measures. Many companies have already responded to the new challenges and found creative, pragmatic solutions: The IBZ Group, for example, has equipped all construction vehicles with additional water tanks, soap dispensers and paper towels so that hygiene can be guaranteed at all times, even on remote construction sites. Disinfectants and face masks are also available to staff.
In this way, not only are the individual protection regulations for each federal state fulfilled, but first and foremost the employees are protected so that the gigabit expansion can continue to be driven forward with commitment. To support you in your projects, we would like to provide you with the following information:
- In the event that access to the house is temporarily denied for fear of infection, the following applies: In this special situation, house connections can initially be made by placing the sleeve on the property. A corresponding project progress can already be billed, provided that an actual connection is made free of charge until the network is (partially) commissioned. In relation to a specific construction phase, this means that you first complete all house connections for which a usage contract (formerly landowner’s declaration) or similar exists. For all other house connections, e.g. those for which the owner has a temporary ban on access, you place the sleeve on the property or at the property boundary and informally assure the project sponsor that these house connections will be completed by the time the network is (partially) commissioned. This means that these costs can also be reimbursed unbureaucratically and now via a request for funds.
- In the event that documents justifying payment are to be submitted to the project sponsor, it is sufficient until further notice if the factual and arithmetical correctness is not, as usual, handwritten on the invoice, but only in a separate e-mail to be attached to the request for funds from the project sponsor.
- The new brochure “Bauhof, Kommunalbetrieb, Stadtwerk – Ihr Weg zum schnellen Internet mit gemeindeeigenen Unternehmen” shows you how you can use your own resources for broadband expansion in view of possible bottlenecks at civil engineering companies. Personnel costs may also be eligible for funding.
- Take advantage of the simplified option for billing planning costs: Provided that construction begins promptly, planning costs of up to 20 percent of the federal funding amount can be requested as a lump sum without any progress being made on the project and liquidity can be generated at short notice.
- Grant recipients have the option of agreeing other billing intervals with the telecommunications company at any time, e.g. via the actual progress of construction work instead of milestones or fixed time windows. You can choose between the billing procedures (simplified or interim billing).
In order to avoid additional administrative work, particularly in the current situation, we would like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to the simplified procedure for requesting funds based on the progress of construction work. In contrast to the regular procedure, it is not necessary to submit interim proof for the reimbursement of funds. It is also possible to change the settlement procedure. We ask grant recipients to find a suitable solution for the regional circumstances in consultation with the contractual partners (telecommunications companies, civil engineering companies).