Germany is still at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. It is still up to each and every one of us to help ensure that our country can overcome this extraordinary crisis in the best possible way.
In the second edition of our Corona Highlight, which we are making available to you together with the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI), there is nevertheless some positive news to report: The gigabit expansion in Germany continues to be driven forward with great commitment – even if challenges such as partially reduced capacities in civil engineering or difficulties in the procurement of materials have to be (creatively) mastered.
In this newsletter, for example, we can mention three fiber optic expansion projects in the federal broadband funding program in which FTTB/FTTH expansion is continuing despite the coronavirus pandemic:
- In the district of Nordwestmecklenburg (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), the broadband expansion via fiber to the home (FTTH), funded by the federal and state governments with a total of 178 million euros, is underway. More than 30,000 connections are expected.
- In the district of Lüchow-Dannenberg (Lower Saxony), the expansion with FTTB is continuing for more than 10,000 households, almost 800 companies and seven schools. The federal government is funding the fiber optic expansion with 15 million euros.
- The fiber optic expansion by the Schwarzwald-Baar broadband supply association in the district of the same name in Baden-Württemberg is also being consistently pursued. Upon completion, more than 100,000 households and a good 10,000 commercial enterprises as well as 89 schools, a hospital and 15 health and rehabilitation clinics are to be supplied with pure fiber optic connections (FTTH).
In order to provide you with the best possible support for your expansion projects and in view of the current challenges, you will find a FAQ section at the end of this Corona Highlight with advice and tips on how to deal with the current situation.
As the project sponsor of the federal broadband funding program, aconium has once again significantly expanded its range of workshops due to the high demand and is offering a comprehensive range of video workshops to accompany the federal broadband funding in times of the corona pandemic.
atene-KOM Managing Director Tim Brauckmüller emphasizes: “The importance of a high-performance fibre optic infrastructure is becoming increasingly clear, especially at the present time. This is why broadband expansion in Germany must be driven forward with even greater commitment in this time of crisis and despite the cancellation of events. To this end, municipal representatives must be equipped with the relevant information to prepare their communities for the digital future.”
In addition to the selection of upcoming video workshops listed below, aconium GmbH offers a variety of other workshop dates and topics. Under this link you will find all offers as well as the possibility to register.
Upcoming video workshops by aconium GmbH as project sponsor of the federal broadband funding program
06.05.2020 Broadband funding: Workshop “Property management and monitoring”
11.05.2020 Broadband funding: leveraging synergies in broadband expansion and the DigiNetz Act
15.05.2020 Broadband funding: State aid provisions in the context of funded expansion projects
20.05.2020 Broadband funding: partial and final acceptance, enforcement of claims
25.05.2020 Broadband funding: 5G – opportunities and requirements in subsidized broadband expansion
28.05.2020 Broadband funding: Geoinformation systems (GIS)
04.06.2020 Broadband funding: Road demolition management
Despite the corona pandemic, we are still available to answer your questions at any time. You can reach us Mon-Fri (9am-5pm) on 030 / 23 32 49 777 or by email at projekttraeger@aconium.eu. Further information on the federal broadband funding program is available on our website.
Get through this difficult time well and, above all, stay healthy.
Corona FAQ on the current situation
- Who can I contact if I have any questions or specific problems regarding subsidized broadband expansion?
The project management organization aconium is still available to answer your questions and concerns at any time – despite the corona pandemic. You can reach us by telephone Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 on 030 / 23 32 49 777 and at any time by e-mail at projekttraeger@aconium.eu. Further information on the federal broadband funding program is available on our website.
- What do I do if the project progress stalls because the house connection cannot be realized on site (entry ban due to the corona pandemic)?
In this special situation, house connections can initially be made by laying the sleeve on the property. A corresponding project progress can already be billed if an actual free connection is made until the network is (partially) commissioned. Further information on the procedure can be found under this link.
- What can I do in the event of short-term liquidity bottlenecks?
Provided that the construction work is due to start shortly, you can request planning costs of up to 20 percent in advance. Further information on the procedure can be found under this link.
- What options do I have in the event of civil engineering bottlenecks?
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.
- What can I do if my responsible contact person at districts, cities, municipalities, licensing authorities, etc. is temporarily or permanently unavailable due to the coronavirus pandemic?
In justified cases, the project sponsor may grant an application for a limited extension of the deadline. The BMVI is currently working on corresponding regulations in the event of major delays.