The nationwide introduction of contact and exit restrictions has significantly reduced the number of new infections with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which has now led to a significant easing of the restrictions felt by everyone. The number of new Covid-19 cases is expected to stabilize at a low level with contact restrictions and hygiene regulations still in place, as well as the obligation to wear face masks in public transport and retail.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI), together with aconium GmbH as the project sponsor of the federal funding program, continues to work hard to create optimal conditions for a committed continuation of the gigabit expansion throughout Germany. For example, additional costs for corona-related protective measures are now also recognized as eligible for funding in the subsidized broadband expansion. At the end of this Corona Highlight you will find our updated FAQ section with advice and tips on how to deal with the current situation.
In the meantime, many players have found individual and innovative solutions to deal with the coronavirus crisis. For example, the network operator WEMACOM from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is now providing interested parties with digital information on the subsidized fiber optic expansion – the previous residents’ meetings have been replaced by digital information videos on YouTube and the provider’s website. In this way, citizens will continue to be informed about the opportunities of a subsidized fiber optic connection to the home, the advantages of fiber optic technology, the construction project process and the individual connection of the house, including the available tariff models.
The town of Tengen (Baden-Württemberg) held its first digital citizens’ assembly completely live at the end of April in order to keep in touch with citizens despite all the adversities and to be able to discuss and debate important topics together.
“Sitting at the kitchen table, having a cozy dinner and listening to the mayor talk about the future of your own town. This has never happened before,” was how the Südkurier newspaper summed up the successful video conference one day later, with around 120 viewers tuned in and able to actively participate with questions.
The example shows: Digitalization has long since arrived in municipalities in rural areas and is at least as important here as in cities and conurbations – especially due to the fact that districts and municipalities are far apart.
In today’s issue of Corona-Schlaglicht, published jointly with the BMVI, we would like to inform you again about a large number of current video workshop dates relating to federal broadband funding. 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 in times of the corona pandemic.
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
- 09.06.2020
- Broadband funding: Approval planning and approval procedures in funded broadband expansion projects
- 10.06.2020
- Broadband funding: Request for funds and proof of use in the federal funding program for nationwide broadband expansion
- 11.06.2020
- Broadband promotion: Road demolition management
- 16.06.2020
- Broadband funding: State aid provisions in the context of subsidized expansion projects
- 17.06.2020
- Broadband promotion: Geoinformation systems (GIS)
- 18.06.2020
- Broadband promotion: Broadband basics
- 24.06.2020
- Broadband funding: Workshop “5G – opportunities and requirements in subsidized broadband expansion”
- 25.06.2020
- Broadband promotion: Utilization of synergies in broadband expansion and the DigiNetz Act
In general, we would like to provide you with the best possible support for your expansion projects and in view of the current challenges in times of the coronavirus pandemic. We will therefore continue to be available to answer your questions at any time.
You can reach us Monday to Friday (9 am to 5 pm) on 030 / 23 32 49 777 or by e-mail at projekttraeger@aconium.eu. Further information on the federal broadband funding program is available on our website.
Continue to get through this difficult time well and 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 expansion project cannot be completed on time due to Corona-related delays in the project process – for example, because my responsible contact person at districts, cities, municipalities, approval authorities, etc. is temporarily or permanently unavailable due to the Corona pandemic?
In justified cases, the project sponsor may grant an application for a limited extension of the deadline. In the event of longer delays, agreements can be made on a case-by-case basis.
- How do I deal with additional costs that arise or have arisen due to Corona-related protective measures (e.g. running water / soap, disinfectant, protective masks) during the removal?
Additional costs for increased requirements for the construction site facilities will be borne proportionately – in accordance with the specified funding quota – by the federal government within the scope of the eligible expenditure. To take the additional costs into account, please submit an amendment application together with suitable evidence to the project management organization so that the funds can be reserved accordingly.