Despite all the easing of restrictions and the almost complete reopening of borders in Europe, the coronavirus pandemic is likely to remain one of the dominant issues for some time to come. We are therefore all the more pleased that everyone involved is looking ahead and continuing to push ahead with the expansion of gigabit connections, which are essential for Germany’s digital future.
Thanks to this commitment, the ground-breaking ceremony for one of the largest funded fiber optic expansion projects in Germany recently took place despite the ongoing difficult coronavirus situation and in compliance with extensive protective measures: In the district of Warendorf (North Rhine-Westphalia), more than 13,000 households, more than 2,000 companies and more than 50 schools will be connected with future-proof direct fiber optic connections (FTTH) in the coming years. The federal government alone is providing more than 80 million euros for this from the federal broadband funding program. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia is financing the expansion project with over 64 million euros, while the district’s own contribution amounts to a good 16 million euros.
From left to right: Wolfgang Pieper (Mayor of Telgte), Dr Markus Tietmeyer (aconium), Dr Olaf Gericke (District Administrator of Warendorf), Prof. Dr Andreas Pinkwart (Minister for Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy NRW), Dr Stefan Zimmermann (Deutsche Glasfaser), Wolfgang Annen (Mayor of Ostbevern)
Photo: aconium
Meanwhile, the district of Ludwigslust-Parchim (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) is benefiting from its far-sighted decision to develop a central web portal for the planning, application and approval process for the gigabit expansion in Germany’s second largest district. The fiber optic expansion funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) covers around 2,400 kilometers of routes. More than 100 stakeholders from 15 local authorities and four independent towns, various specialist services in the district, the telecommunications company carrying out the expansion and planning offices are involved.
All stakeholders are networked via the district’s own, self-developed portal for broadband expansion and can handle all processes electronically – from construction planning to the submission and review of all necessary applications. The relevant authorities (e.g. building authorities, monument protection and nature conservation authorities) can access the plans and documents simultaneously via the platform, check them, request any necessary information and finally submit the result of the check – including approvals – directly via the portal.
“The process is helping us right now in times of the coronavirus pandemic,” emphasizes Rüdiger Falk, Broadband Coordinator for the Ludwigslust-Parchim district. “Everyone involved can continue to access all documents and processes online in real time, even when working from home.”
In today’s issue of Corona-Schlaglicht, published jointly with the BMVI, we would once again like to inform you about the extensive range of 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.
At the end of this Corona Highlight you will also find our FAQ section with advice and tips on how to deal with the current situation.
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. The video workshops are held by our seven German regional offices and also focus on local/regional specifics. We therefore recommend attending the nearest aconium regional office.
Upcoming video workshops by aconium GmbH as project sponsor of the federal broadband funding program
- 05.08.2020
- Broadband promotion: Utilization of synergies in broadband expansion and the DigiNetz Act
- 10.08.2020
- Broadband promotion: Broadband basics
- 11.08.2020
- Broadband promotion: Open Access
- 12.08.2020
- Broadband promotion: Road demolition management
- 12.08.2020
- Broadband funding: Financing of broadband projects
- 19.08.2020
- Broadband funding: Information basis for building authorities
- 20.08.2020
- Broadband promotion: partial and final acceptance, enforcement of claims
- 25.08.2020
- Broadband promotion: Geoinformation systems (GIS)
- 27.08.2020
- Broadband funding: Request for funds and proof of use in the federal funding program for nationwide broadband expansion
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.